Are you frequently bugged by cravings that you know are not healthy for you? Consider the following tips so you can take control over your unhealthy food cravings.
Identify whether you’re hungry.
If you’re not actually hungry, it’s the first step in not giving in to any craving. Yet, if you’re really hungry and need to eat a full meal, consume a healthy meal and then reassess your craving.
Consider your body’s needs.
Cravings can sometimes give you clues to what your body needs. For instance, your craving for red meat might be a hint that you need iron. Your craving for certain foods can also be a warning sign that you have a health issue that should be addressed. If you’re frequently craving for sweets and starchy foods, it might mean that your body is not processing carbohydrates normally, making you feel deprived and want to eat more carbs.
Distract yourself.
Distracting yourself from the thought of craving something can be enough to make you forget about it. Chew sugar-free gum, drink a glass of water, walk around, or sip something warm (like a cup of herbal tea).
Avoid triggers and find healthy alternatives.
The longer you avoid foods that trigger your cravings, the less likely you may want to eat them. You’ll probably begin to crave the new foods you incorporate in your diet (in place of your unhealthy cravings) – which is good for you if you switch to healthy foods.
De-stress yourself.
Stress is a huge trigger for cravings, so you should deal with it. You can try deep breathing or visualizing a serene scene on your own, or just do things that make you relax.
Eat a healthy breakfast.
A breakfast filled with fibre and protein is more likely to control cravings.
Explore new foods.
When you stick to your usual diet, it can leave you feeling unfulfilled. You need variety of foods, so try new dishes or combinations of foods to stop cravings.
Set limits.
Once in a while, it’s alright to satisfy your cravings for sweets. But be sure to limit your consumption. The trick is to buy only one pack at a time so you won’t be tempted to reach for more.
Take a nap.
Cravings creep up when you’re tired. So, close your eyes and recharge through a power nap.
Get enough sleep.
Lack of sleep increases hunger during the day, which leads to cravings.
You can deprive yourself of giving in to unhealthy cravings, but you shouldn’t deprive yourself of the opportunity to look and feel better about yourself. Find a health and beauty hub near you.