Weight Loss Tips: If you occasionally get cravings for certain foods or an overwhelming desire to eat them, you’re not alone. Food cravings can tempt you away from a balanced diet, whether you’re trying to lose weight or just eat healthy. Food cravings are strong, often uncontrollable to eat. A person usually craves a lot of calorie-dense, nutrient-deficient foods like desserts, burgers, and pizza. Cravings are a common side effect of foods high in sugar or other carbohydrates, and can be especially challenging to control.
7 Simple Tips to Control Unhealthy Food Cravings
1. Drink water
Try drinking a large glass of water and wait a few minutes when you feel hungry. Some people find it beneficial to sip water as soon as they feel hungry. Increasing your water intake can also help with weight loss for dieters.
2. Stay busy
Another factor in your decision to engage in mindless eating is boredom. To avoid eating, a friend can call, read a book, or participate in recreational activities. You might watch a movie or go for a walk in the park.
3. Chew gum
Chew a piece of gum whenever you feel the need to snack. Chewing gum can reduce appetite or help curb sugar cravings. This is beneficial, especially if you are trying to lose weight or eat healthier.
4. Get enough sleep
At midnight, a person usually looks for sweets or high-calorie snacks. Lack of sleep removes variety and can result in difficulty controlling one’s food intake as well as cravings.
5. Manage stress
If you find yourself craving or thinking about certain foods when you’re stressed, you’re not alone. Additionally, chronic stress increases a person’s likelihood of becoming overweight or obese.
6. Mindful diet
To determine if you still feel full, ask yourself when you feel full and or take a break during a meal. Take a small pinch and chew it well. Watch what you eat!
7. Increase protein intake
Those who want to control their weight and curb cravings should increase their protein intake. High protein intake helps regulate hormones linked to weight and metabolism.
Resisting cravings is much easier when you are aware of your triggers. Additionally, it makes it easier to eat healthily and shed pounds. The next time you find yourself hogging on unhealthy foods, use these tips to plan your meals and engage in a mindfulness practice.
