To eat or not to eat is the question when hunger strikes. Are you really hungry or are emotions triggering you to eat when you don’t need to. Here are some tips to control cravings.
Tips to control cravings:
CHUG IT
Sometimes when you’re hungry it could mean that you are really thirsty. Drink about 8 oz. of filtered water to see if that was the issue. If not, than keep on reading.
SUPER HUNGRY BEFORE A MEAL
To prevent you from overeating before a meal, a great trick that works is to eat an apple. An apple is loaded with fiber and will prevent you from consuming too many calories.
STILL HUNGRY AFTER A MEAL
If it is in the morning after you eat breakfast, then eat fruit. Fruit has vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that the body needs not to mention it hydrates the body. My favorite fruit appetite crushers are an apple, pear, or 1 cup of grapes. The fiber fills me up.
HUNGRY AT NIGHT
If you are hungry at night after dinner, drink hot decaf green tea or dandelion root tea with one Stevia. For some reason a hot drink curbs my appetite till I have to go to bed. Have a second one if the first doesn’t do the trick. Tea doesn’t cut it? Than eat some low glycemic fresh fruit. Mixed berries are always a sweet winner. Your body will be able to break it down easier at night.
WHOLE FOOD SNACKS
Another trick to help curb cravings in the middle of the day is eating a snack. A real whole food snack like nuts, veggies, or fruit will help keep your appetite under control.
COMMERCIAL CRAVINGS
If you are watching TV at night-commercials will psychological get to you. It may be a night time trigger for you. My advice-turn channel when food commercials come on. You can watch a commercial-free movie or fast forward through the commercials if you have DVR’ed a show. Maybe do another night time activity like reading or surf the net if it is not food related.
DON’T BUY JUNK FOOD
Don’t buy junk food for your home. When you have it in your home, you are more apt to eat it. Instead buy fruits and veggies to keep on hand when cravings get out of control.
DISTRACT YOUR BRAIN
Maybe you are bored or maybe you stress eat. Try to distract your mind by taking a break from what you are doing. You can take a walk, meditate, or read a book. This will help you try not to think about food.
