Defined as an intense desire for a specific food or type of food (for example, salty or sweet), cravings strike women far more frequently than men, and these cravings tend to kick in in the afternoon or evening. Research shows that 97 percent of women and 68 percent of men experience food cravings, according to a survey conducted at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.

The foods yearned for the most by both sexes tend to have at least one of three elements: fat, sugar and salt, according to Adam Drewnowski, Ph.D., a professor of epidemiology and medicine, and director of nutrition sciences at the University of Washington. "Cravings are the strongest for foods that contain all three, such as peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies," he says.

That's where the similarities end. Women tend to want foods that are rich in fat and sugar, such as pastries, chocolate, cake, pies and ice cream, while men go for savory foods that are high in fat and protein, such as steak, hamburgers, pizza, French fries and potato chips, according to Drewnowski.

While no one knows why we pine for different foods, experts say that men and women's cravings are triggered by psychological or physiological factors, or both. That means something as simple as smelling freshly baked bread or seeing a chocolate bar on a deli counter can spark the desire. Often it's our emotional feelings (anger, sadness, boredom or stress) that trigger cravings. "The foods that both men and women crave often alleviate psychological stress," says Drewnowski. "I suspect certain foods cause an endorphin release, which makes us feel calm and relaxed."

Scientists also believe there is a connection between hormones and cravings, although most of their information for this theory is based on studies involving women. "Women report wanting foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates before the onset of their menstrual periods, when estrogen is low and progesterone is high," says Edith Howard Hogan, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. These hormonal fluctuations can set off a chain reaction by decreasing calm-inducing serotonin and increasing appetite, according to Hogan. To compensate, women may reach for carbohydrate-rich foods, which help boost serotonin levels.

Another difference between men and women: While men often chalk up their Big Mac attack to a healthy appetite, women tend to feel guilty after they indulge in a food they wouldn't normally eat. "Everyone has cravings, but people still need to learn that it's okay to indulge themselves every once in a while," says Hogan. "Eating is supposed to be pleasurable."

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