The Super 7 Ways To Crush Cravings
by Donna De Cunzo, RD, LD
Director of Nutrition Services
At home... at work... at the mall...
They can strike at any moment -- those pound-packing cravings that can destroy even the best-intentioned dieter in a matter of weak moments.
Whether it's French fries or fried chicken, we sometimes get the uncontrollable urge for a tempting treat. The bad news is most of us will have them at one time or another. The good news is that those cravings can be fought with the help of some simple steps.
Here are the super seven ways to stay in control at even the most difficult time:
- Do not skip meals! Be sure to eat regular meals to control your appetite. When too much time passes between meals, intense cravings may develop and you may become tired.
- Be well hydrated. Mild dehydration can be mistaken as hunger, thereby increasing your cravings for sweets.
- Maintain physical activity and exercise regularly. Often, when you experience a craving (especially for sweets), your body may be craving an endorphin (or serotonin) surge. Regular exercise naturally increases these to mood-boosting levels.
- Sharpen your awareness. Begin to identify what these foods you are craving really provide. Is it really that ice cream or are you craving the comfort and security you get when you eat it? Figure out if you are physiologically or emotionally hungry.
- Indulge once in awhile. If you’ve waited all year for some of your mom’s apple pie, what do you think will happen if you don’t eat a small sliver? My guess is you may experience deprivation which may cause you to eventually eat anything in sight including the entire pie!
- Never label foods as bad or forbidden! Much like a child, what do you think the first thing you crave will be?
- Manage stress. This is perhaps the number one reason for emotional eating!