10 Tips to Beating Your Food Cravings

Craving food is normal, especially when you are dieting or following a weight loss plan. Sometimes, you may even be craving something that you need and may be deficient in, such as a mineral. Just because you crave something unhealthy does not mean that you have to give in to those cravings, though. By following these ten tips, you can overcome your cravings and stay on track to lose weight.

1. Water
The human body needs hydration. If you are craving something cold (and often sweet) like soda or ice cream, then you may need to drink water. You may find, when you are craving a bottle of soda, that a drink of water may calm your craving for soda or fruit juice. Listen to your body, be sensitive to hydration, and drink water when you are thirsty.

2. Protein Power
Salads are healthy, but a bowl of lettuce will not keep you full for an afternoon. Hunger can lead to cravings, so you might try adding some lean protein to your salad. Soybeans, tofu, chicken, and beef are all things that you can add to your vegetable dish to boost energy, brain power and lose weight. They add protein to your meal that will keep you full longer, helping you avoid junk food.

3. Sleep
If you get less sleep at night, chances are you will eat unhealthy foods the next day. Without sleep, the body craves energy and will try to get it from food, which is not ideal for anyone on a weight loss diet. To avoid this problem, get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

4. Bored?
It is very easy to convince yourself that you are hungry when you are just bored. The remedy for this particular problem is to find something to do that you enjoy. Keeping your mind focused on something else or going outside are all things that can help distract you and enable you to shed pounds.

5. Clean Teeth
The feeling of cleanliness after you brush your teeth can deter you from eating junk. You should brush after every meal, especially if you are craving dessert. This keeps your teeth clean and healthy, but will keep you from eating sugary sweets or salty snacks.

6. Fruit
Fruit usually has a lot of water in it, and it absorbs water. Both of these facts mean that eating a piece of fruit can help you feel full. Not only does it make you full, it provides nutrients and can help you lose pounds. Good fruits to reach for when you are craving something are apples, grapes, or oranges, because they all have very high water content.

7. Exercise
Exercising when you are craving food does not necessarily mean that you have to engage in something strenuous. Even a brisk walk can help you feel healthier, making you unwilling to put junk food into your body. Try taking a walk around the block or taking your pet for a short jaunt.

8. Eat Naturally
Most “diet” foods are heavily processed, and will do you no more good than eating a cupcake. You would be better off eating carrots, celery, fruit, or something with lean protein, like nuts. Natural foods do not have to be organic, just whole and close to their natural state.

9. Fiber
Fiber has recently become more popular, and for good reason. Fiber absorbs water and expands. In addition, it is not digested by your stomach, so foods with a lot of fiber in them take longer to digest, helping you stay full longer. Eating very fibrous food will prevent cravings, help you stick to your diet and will be beneficial to your digestive tract.

10. Find a New Hobby
Taking classes in something new, like ceramics or ballet, will help you keep your mind on the new activity and off your cravings. Even trying a new exercise, like running, may make you less willing to put junk in your body and help you to avoid the bad stuff.

Cravings are inevitable, but giving in to them is not. With these tips you can stave off cravings and improve your health.

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