How to Avoid Food Cravings

It’s easy to succumb to temptations, especially when you’ve been strong throughout the diet. Your excuses get creative as you find ways to munch on a chocolate cake. After all, you can always double up on cardio to balance out the food you consume. Does this sound all too familiar to you? If so, you’re not alone. We’ve often helped people with their diet as it requires more than diet and exercise to succeed. When it comes to lifestyle changes, it’s about willpower and planning ahead. The following are simple ways to talk yourself out of a craving.

Food Craving Excuses

Old Excuse: “I’ll only eat more if I don’t eat it now.”
New Excuse: “This is not a sacrifice; I’m making a choice.”

When we deprive ourselves of food we can’t have, we tend to want it more. According to research, we crave the foods we’re used to eating. So, if we condition ourselves to eat healthy food, we’ll crave them more than cake or cookies. The secret is to get your mind used to the practice, and the body will follow.

One way to reframe yourself is to hold off on the food you’re craving. Maybe after a workout or dinner is a good time to indulge. Give your mind time to process; that way, you can eat on your terms and in your own time. This strategy might even help you eat less rather than eating immediately.

Old Excuse: “After a stressful day, I deserve a treat.”
New Excuse: “I don’t need calories; I earned kindness.”

It’s true; satisfying a craving can give you quick pleasure because of dopamine production. But this will only last about three minutes until you regret your decision. Instead, pinpoint the issue. Why are you feeling lousy? Give yourself some time to ponder. Sometimes, walking it off helps as you burn calories and think clearly. If it’s the affection that you want, try cuddling with a pet. There are ways to ward off stress, and it doesn’t start with “comfort” food.

Old Excuse: “I’ll eat because it’s a special occasion.”
New Excuse: “Stuffing yourself isn’t so special.”

The idea of passing your own cake would be a terrible idea. But indulging doesn’t mean you should take a huge slice or two. Instead, savor every bite. Don’t just bite and gulp; think about the food and all its flavors. Studies show that small portions are just as satisfying as big ones when you focus your attention on the food. Remember, you don’t want to go into a food coma. Instead, aim for satiation.

Old Excuses: “My body wants ice cream, and that’s what it is going to get.”
New Excuse: “I don’t need ice cream in my body. This is a craving that will ruin my diet.”

Think of your body as a monitor. Pay attention to it, but make sure not to eat every time it rumbles. Hunger is your body’s way of saying you need to consume food, while cravings are merely suggestions. Make sure you understand the difference between the two queues.

If you’re craving something, make a cup of jasmine green tea, and take a whiff before sipping. Research indicated that women who smelled jasmine tremendously reduced their cravings for chocolate. Another way to overcome temptations is by tricking your body that you’ve indulged in the food by the use of imagination.