Dealing With Cravings

When you’re feeling hungry, or just bored, you might begin to crave your favorite junk food. After all, it can be difficult to resist the urge to reach for those salty potato chips or that pint of Ben and Jerry’s. But giving in to your temptations can make it difficult to follow a healthy diet! Here are some tips to deal with your food cravings.

Understand why you have cravings

There are many reasons why you might be craving unhealthy foods. Cravings can occur due to anxiety or stress. If that’s the case, take some time to de-stress and unwind before eating. When you are more relaxed, reevaluate your craving.

You might just be hungry – if this is the case, be careful that you do not overeat to compensate, and don’t skip meals. If you find that you often get hungry between meals, try eating healthy snacks during the day.

Wait for a few minutes

Instead of satisfying your craving immediately, wait for a bit and then decide if you are still hungry. Maybe take a minute to do a chore around the house, or go for a walk around the block. Then, see how you’re feeling – maybe you don’t really need that brownie after all.

Make it healthier

Try to find a healthier alternative for the food you’re craving. For example, if you want a grilled cheese, make it with whole-wheat bread. Or eat a piece of fruit or some vegetables instead. Healthy carbs, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, contain nutrients that will satiate your hunger for the long term. (See our blog post on the glycemic index for more information about this)

Don’t completely deprive yourself

Forcing yourself to never eat junk foods might end up making your cravings worse. Remember that it’s okay to eat sweets, chips, or other foods in moderation – one serving will not cancel out your hard work. By occasionally interspersing these foods with healthier options, you can eat better and satisfy your cravings at the same time.