Cookies, Candy, and Cocoa: Avoid the Cravings
By Virginia Laird
With winter weather in full swing and the blissful delight of the holidays under way, you may be consuming a bit more hot cocoa, candy, and cookies. Although these things are tasty, too much can bring about weight gain, as well as a host of other health-related issues. If you are anything like me, fighting the temptation to overindulge can be a season-long battle. Health and wellness experts have issued a list of tips you can use to help curb your cravings for these scrumptious goodies, including:
- Drink plenty of water
- Stay busy throughout the day
- Limit your consumption of treats
Drink Plenty of Water
As with any craving, consuming plenty of water can help curb the desire to fill up on things that are unhealthy. Health and wellness experts advise that often, when the body feels hungry, it is actually in need of water. These professionals suggest that those who want to stay properly hydrated and beat the holiday junk food cravings should strive to consume at least half of their body weight in ounces each day. The next time you feel the urge to reach for a glass of hot cocoa, holiday candy, or sweet treats, reach for a glass of water first instead.
Stay Busy Throughout the Day
For many who battle severe cravings, it is suggested to stay busy throughout the day. For some this may be exercising, crafting, or taking up another hobby which can take your mind off of the craving. Others may choose to stay busy by cleaning house, doing service, or even baking sweets and treats for others. Health and wellness experts suggest that finding a healthy alternative to keep you busy is a great way to prevent you from giving in to the holiday cravings. If you are one who is already battling such desires to consume all things sweet and tasty, the time is now to begin finding ways to keep you busy throughout each day.
Limit Your Consumption of Treats
With the holiday season in full swing, it is a natural that you may be surrounded by a plethora of sweets, treats, and junk food. Health and wellness experts advise that one way to deal with this, and avoid consuming too much, is to limit your consumption of treats. For those who prefer to indulge in their sweet tooth far too often, completely leaving treats on the table may not be a choice. Instead, health and wellness experts advise that limiting your consumption of sweets and treats to a certain number per week may be best. It is also wise to know that the time is now to start setting this limit. Make sure that as you set the limit that you also have a commitment to stick to it, and you will find yourself successful in avoiding these cravings, as well as holiday weight gain.
Now is the time to begin planning how you will defeat your holiday cravings.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Georgetown, Tex.