You’re doing well on your diet. You’ve already lost several pounds. The last thing you want is for cravings to ruin your progress.
But then one day it happens. You’re stressed out and tired, and here comes that craving for a chocolate brownie. What do you do?
We have a few tips that might help.
1. Drink a Tall Glass of Ice Water
Sometimes your body can mistake thirst for hunger. It could be that you’re mildly dehydrated. Drink a nice tall glass of ice water, then give it five minutes. Often the water will help ease the craving. The cold temperature of the ice also has a way of satisfying your mind and body for a little while, giving you the strength you need to resist that brownie.
2. Enjoy a Piece of Dark Chocolate
Research shows that chocolate is the most frequently craved food. If that’s the case for you, indulge with a small piece of dark chocolate. Make sure it has at least 70 percent cacao, as that means it’s lower in sugar and calorie counts than milk chocolate and is packed with healthy antioxidants. It will also keep blood sugar levels stable so you can satisfy your cravings without feeling the need to overeat.
3. Take a Nap
Did you sleep well the night before your cravings hit? If not, that may be what’s causing it. A lack of sleep ramps up the production of your hunger hormones, making you feel hungrier than you normally would. Instead of giving in to the craving, get comfortable, close your eyes, and allow yourself to take a 20-minute nap.
4. Journal About It
Most cravings are temporary by their very nature. They come and go, often within just five minutes. That means if you can sit with your difficult feelings for that short time, you can beat them.
Try journaling about how you’re feeling. Write down what food you’re craving and how the craving feels. Where does it show up in your body? How are you feeling emotionally right now? Keep writing until the five minutes are over, and see if that doesn’t help you resist.
5. Find a Healthy Alternative
It could be that you’re really hungry. If that’s the case, your best bet is to choose something nutritious to eat. Fresh or dried fruit, a small serving of whole-grain cereal or crackers and cheese, Greek yogurt, cut-up veggies and dip, and other similar options can help satisfy your hunger without ruining your diet.
Make your fresh fruit even more attractive by choosing a pretty platter or bouquet. These are made with pineapples, apples, grapes, strawberries, oranges, and more. Use Edible Arrangements coupons to make these perfectly affordable.
6. Go for a Walk
This is an effective distraction as it gets your body moving—which can help dissipate cravings—and draws you away from the kitchen where tempting foods may be calling. Exercise also helps reduce stress, so if your craving was stress-related—which is common—the walk will ease the stress, thereby eliminating the craving.
7. Phone a Friend
If you’ve got a friend or loved one who knows you’re trying to lose weight, give them a call or send them a text. That person may be able to help encourage you to stay strong and avoid giving in.
Even if your friend doesn’t know your health goals, call or text them anyway. It can help distract you from the craving long enough that it will pass.
8. Clean Something
Turn your attention to something that needs to be cleaned. Try dusting, cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, picking up your room, or organizing your files. Get your mind busy focusing on something else, and soon you’ll find that you’re not thinking about food anymore. Bonus: Your weekly cleaning chores will be done early!
9. Brush Your Teeth
You know how it feels after you brush your teeth—you don’t want to eat something right away. You can use that feeling to help avoid giving in to a craving. Brushing your teeth early also tells your brain that it’s time to stop eating. This technique can be especially helpful if your cravings tend to attack at night before bed.
10. Drink a Cup of Coffee
An interesting 2017 review found evidence that coffee may influence appetite. It seems to be particularly effective after a meal. But whenever your cravings strike (unless it’s late at night and you need to sleep), drinking a cup of coffee may help reduce them.
If you’re on a diet but still battling cravings, these helpful tricks will help you satisfy your cravings without veering from your diet plan.
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