Lately I’ve been reading a lot of Facebook posts about cravings and snacking. It’s very easy to succumb to the siren call of the refrigerator. Sure, you can avoid keeping treats in the house, but if you have a car or public transportation, you can easily get the snack or delicious drink you’re craving. What do you do when cravings seem to take over all of your thoughts?
I found several articles on what to do when your appetite for the wrong foods is about to get the best of you. Try some of the ideas on this list and please share whatever works for you in the comments below.
- Be sure to eat enough food – and get the proper levels of all needed nutrients – to help avoid cravings (1).
- Try not to get overly hungry which can leave you feeling out of control (1).
- Manage your blood sugar and stress levels to help keep cravings at bay (1).
- Avoid too many refined carbs which can intensify cravings further (1).
- Drink more water to be sure it’s actually hunger that you’re feeling and not thirst (2).
- Distance yourself from your craving with a walk – you’ll get added exercise and won’t have the treats nearby (2).
- Try to get enough sleep for more positive energy and a better mindset (2).
- Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach which could lead to having more treats readily available in your house (2).
- Skip sweets and artificial sweeteners – have some fruit instead (3).
- Gum can help curb cravings according to some studies (3).
- If you feel that you must give in to your craving, have a very small serving. Think bite-sized (3).
- Find some new activities you enjoy that don’t mix with snacking, like writing, knitting, sewing, painting, or drawing.
- Take up a musical instrument and whenever you feel a craving coming on, take a break and practice making music.
- If it’s near bedtime, brush your teeth and get ready for bed a bit early.
- Chat with a friend who can get you through the rough spots.
- Rethink your comfort foods and create or find recipes for healthier substitutes.
- Spend some extra time caring for your pets or plants.
I have tried all of these at various times. The last six (with no footnotes) are the activities I’ve incorporated into my maintenance plan on a regular basis. I still succumb at times, but they’re a big help!
I hope you’ve gotten some new ideas on how to alleviate your cravings. Let’s not let them have power over us. Let’s maintain our healthy weight!
(1). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-stop-food-cravings
(2). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-ways-to-stop-food-cravings#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
(3). https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/13-ways-to-fight-sugar-cravings
Maintain Weight Loss 