Here’s the thing, food cravings come unexpectedly and most of us fall for it. Without even knowing you are already halfway through that bag of chips or digging in some high sugar and high calorie food.
Just because it cannot be predicted doesn’t mean you cannot do anything about it. According to experts these food urges last only for 5 to 10 minutes, a short enough time to just ride them out – that is, if you know how to manage it.
Figure-out the Reason behind Your Food Frenzies
If you always want to munch something such as doughnuts, chocolates or potato chips just before lunch then maybe you should not skip breakfast or at least need a more substantial one. Something with protein or fiber like cereals, bread or fruits will keep you feeling full for long hours.
Some people overeat when they are under emotional strain. For them eating is a buffer against negative events and thoughts. If you think that your appetite is indeed influenced by certain emotion, try to address what’s really bothering you. Then do something that can boost your spirit or give you that instant serenity without guilt. Try getting a massage or even as simple as warm bath may help you relax. If you’re on the athletic side, doing yoga or meditation is a great way to burn off your tension.
If you have vanished meat from your diet and then suddenly salivate whenever you pass the meat section at your supermarket, your body could be telling you that you need more iron.
Plan an Anti-urge Strategy
Urges are like waves; they start out small, gain in strength, crest and then subside. If you learn to stay strong through its peak you can survive from it. To stay strong you must be ready when it comes. Since it is not easy to predict when a craving will occur, you must develop an anti-urge strategy that you can activate as soon as it strikes.
Ideally, a strategy should involve using your hands, so you can’t eat: Tend the garden, work on that scrapbook, clean the car, walk the dog or do whatever distracts you until the craving passes.
Think of alternative foods. If you crave for chocolate ice cream, be sure to have a healthier food on hand such as non-fat chocolate yogurt. Eating something else that is healthier may take the edge off your craving.
By knowing the problem well and the anti-urge strategy that works for you best, you can definitely outlast a food craving. Furthermore you’ll get that feeling of success as well once you overcome it completely.
John is a free lancer writer and content builder of www.bestinlife.net/ and currently he is giving tips for how to How to Survive a Food Craving