3 Ways to Fight Your Cravings and Win
By Genevieve Cunningham
Cravings can be such a drag. You've been eating so well for so long, and then you see your favorite treat: a donut or a candy bar or a bag of chips. Suddenly, you have to eat it. The craving is so strong, you find yourself buying and consuming it without giving it a second thought. It's so frustrating! And for many people, it's precisely these kinds of cravings that continually derail your weight loss goals. But how can you stop it? If you've been struggling with cravings, take a look at these three ways to fight the cravings battle and finally win.
Stay Well Fed and Hydrated
Cravings happen the most when our bodies aren't getting what they need. In order to avoid these cravings, we need to eat a well balanced diet and drink plenty of water. At first, you may still get hit with random cravings. But the more your body is filled with the appropriate nutrients, the more these cravings are likely to wane.
Avoid Triggers
Some people get cravings when certain things happen -- and many times, these are connected to stress or emotions. If stress at work causes you to binge on foods, try to avoid that trigger. You may not be able to avoid the stress, but you can learn how to deal with it. If it's certain people, avoid them. If it's certain places, don't go there. Avoiding these triggers as much as possible is the best way to keep the cravings to a minimum.
Look to Healthy Replacements
It can be so helpful to have a back-up food ready for whenever those cravings hit the hardest. Do you crave sweets? Try keeping a sweet fruit -- watermelon or grapes or apples -- in the refrigerator. Are chips your guilty pleasure? Keep a crunchy alternative such as pretzels or popcorn. If you have something healthier to grab in lieu of the craving, it might satisfy your tooth without harming your health.
Cravings are tough to deal with. We don't want them, but they tend to hang around whether we want them or not. Use these tips to deal with the cravings, and you may be able to keep your diet and your health in check.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Henderson, Nev.