The parts of the brain that deal with reward, pleasure, and memory are in part responsible for food cravings. An imbalance of hormones, like serotonin or leptin, may also cause you to crave food. People who menstruate often experience food cravings in different parts of their menstrual cycle, due to hormonal fluctuations. Food cravings are also incredibly common during pregnancy, as a result of major hormonal changes. It’s not just hormones that can cause you to crave food. Emotions can contribute to cravings, too. If you’re feeling sad, you may crave comfort food to make you feel better. If your body is lacking nutrients, it may make you crave the type of food it requires to stay healthy.