Let’s Blast Those Cravings!

Denise Austin by Denise Austin | September 12, 2015 | Nutrition

Blast Those Cravings - Denise Austin

I know you have cravings; we all do.  But dealing with stubborn food cravings when you are trying to lose weight can be more than just annoying — giving in can undo weeks of hard work and effort.  And, we don’t want that to happen!  Eating the filling and nutritious foods and snacks will help suppress ghrelin, the hunger hormone that triggers a ravaging appetite.  I have cravings too!  It’s totally normal.  Sometimes after a full dinner meal, I’ll crave an apple pie with a bowl of ice cream.  But instead of that, I’ll cut up slices of apple and sprinkle it with cinnamon and it satisfies my craving.  Here are some more tips to move past cravings without bingeing or racing off track.

STOP AND THINK!  If you feel hunger coming on, you shouldn’t automatically reach for food.  Before you eat, take a minute to think about what you are feeling.  Ask yourself if you are really hungry.  If you haven’t eaten in a while and your energy is low, maybe your body is telling you to eat.  If that is the case, grab a healthy snack and you’ll feel better in no time.

ARE YOU THIRSTY? Thirst can also feel like hunger.  Pour yourself a refreshing glass of water and then see how you feel.  Add a squirt of lemon or lime juice or a few cucumber or orange slices to the water to heighten your senses.

USE DISTRACTION.  If you have just eaten, you might be having a craving.  One of the best ways to beat cravings is to distract yourself.  Get outside and take a walk.  Call a friend, play a game on your phone, or simply get up and move around to a different are of where you are at.  I have found that simply changing your surroundings can change the way you feel and help beat that craving.

CHEW AWAY YOUR CRAVING!  Here’s another simple trick: If you are having a craving, pop a piece of gum in your mouth.  Sometimes the act of chewing is enough to get your mind off that pesky craving.  You can do it.  (I avoid sugar-free gums and candies because they often contain orbital, a sugar substitute that can cause GI distress.)

Let’s get rid of those pesky cravings!  Try these out to help you!  You can DO IT!  For more helpful tips, workouts, AND recipes, come and join my community here!  The time is NOW!  Health is wealth!!!!

Love always from Your Personal Trainer,

Denise

Articles You Might Like