Cravings are usually understood as weaknesses for some people (especially women). But health counselor Beth Aldrich explains that cravings are also triggers for your body to analyze your relationship with food.

Here are eight primary reasons for cravings, according to Aldrich:

1. Dehydration

Dehydration occurs as mild hunger, so the first thing to do when you get a strange craving is to drink a full glass of water.

2. Lack of life fulfillment

Eating can be used as a substitute for entertainment, or to fill the void of life fulfillment.

3. Yin/yang imbalance

Certain foods have more yin qualities (expansive) while other foods have more yang qualities (contractive). Eating foods that are either extremely yin or extremely yang causes cravings in order to maintain balance.

4. Inside coming out

Oftentimes, cravings come from foods that we have recently eaten or food memories from our childhood. A clever way to satisfy these cravings is to eat a healthier version of one’s current craving or childhood foods.

5. Seasonal

Often the body craves foods that balance out the elements of the season.