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Food cravings can strike at any time, often unannounced and totally unpredictable. They can be hard to resist, and having unhealthy cravings can be damaging to both physical and mental health. To help you take back control of your cravings, here are 10 practical tips to help you stop food cravings and curb your appetite.
Overcome Cravings with Easy and Effective Strategies
Unhealthy food cravings can often lead to overeating, so it’s important to take measures to tackle cravings head-on. One of the best ways to do this is to create a distraction. Anything from going for a walk, catching up with a friend or reading a book can help to push cravings to the back of your mind and provide a bit of a break.
Another tactic to help you resist unhealthy cravings is to snack on healthy alternatives. Reach for a low-calorie snack such as a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts to ease hunger pangs and help your stomach to feel fuller for longer. This can help to reduce the urge to reach for something unhealthy.
Regain Control Over Your Eating Habits
Eating habits can have a big impact on cravings, so it’s important to try and ensure that your diet is well balanced. Eating regular, smaller meals throughout the day is a great way to keep cravings at bay and help you to maintain a healthy weight. This can help to prevent hunger and fatigue, which can often lead to unhealthy cravings.
It’s also important to take time to plan meals ahead of time and try to avoid extensive periods between meals. If you’re hungry, it’s easier to crave unhealthy snacks. Eating balanced meals can help you to reach your optimum nutrient intake, which can help to reduce cravings.
Combat Hunger with Creative Tricks
Sometimes the best way to tackle cravings is to get creative. Try to find foods that you can enjoy that both satisfy cravings and adhere to a healthy diet. For instance, if you’re craving something sweet, treat yourself to a fresh fruit smoothie, or if you’re after something savoury, try making a healthy stir fry.
Also, try to create recipes that are both tasty and interesting enough to keep you from feeling deprived. If you’re often tempted to snack between meals, try batch cooking dishes in advance and keep them in the fridge or freezer. This way you have a nutritious and delicious meal to hand when cravings strike.
Learn to Recognize Unhealthy Impulses
You can help to control your cravings by learning to recognize when they might be triggered. Try to keep track of when you notice your cravings. It could be linked to certain times of day, or certain emotions. Identifying the root cause of your cravings can be a helpful way to manage them.
Reduce Appetite with Simple Steps
There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your appetite and help to combat cravings. Firstly, try to keep the kitchen area clear of unhealthy snacks and processed foods. This will help to avoid temptation and allow you to stay in control of your cravings.
In addition, staying well hydrated can help to keep your stomach feeling fuller for longer and reduce hunger. Keeping a bottle of water with you throughout the day can really help to put you back in charge of cravings.
Finally, try to focus on getting enough rest. Eating late at night can be a trigger for cravings, so try to establish a regular sleep pattern to help you to stay in control of your appetite.
We all experience cravings from time to time, but the key to managing them is to be aware of why they occur. With these 10 practical tips, you can discover strategies to help you resist cravings and stay in control of your appetite. Some simple lifestyle adjustments can help you to take back control of your cravings and encourage healthy eating habits.
Sources
- Bowser, A. (2014). The Everything Healthy College Cookbook: Quick, Affordable Meals That Fit Your Budget and Schedule. Adams Media Corp.
- Green, S. (2017). The Fast Diet: Lose Weight, Stay Healthy, and Live Longer with the Simplest Diet in the World. Short Books.
- Snyder, J. (2015). Slim Down Smart: The Amazing Mind, Body Weight Loss Plan. Createspace.
