Stop Cravings

Cravings can come on strong and unfortunately, we never crave chicken breast or celery sticks. It’s always junk food – sweets, breads/crackers or salty, fatty foods.

How can we conquer them? Here are a few tips:

Mindful Snacking: Instead of mindlessly reaching for a quick fix, take a moment to tune in. Ask yourself if you’re truly hungry or if it’s a craving. If it’s the latter, consider a small, satisfying snack to curb the urge without derailing your health goals OR wait it out 15 minutes and it’s likely the craving will go away on it’s own.

Smart Swaps:. Look for smarter alternatives. Swap that sugary energy bar  piece of fruit or try making a shake with your favorite protein powder blended with fruit. Small changes can make a big difference.

Protein For Breakfast: Starting your day with a substantial serving of protein, at least 30-50 grams, stokes your metabolic fire and leads to better food choices (and self control) throughout the day. Breakfast protein could consist of a protein shake, plain greek yogurt with fruit, or leftover chicken, beef or pork loin combined with a 4oz sweet potato.

Hydration Habit: Thirst can masquerade as hunger. Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day. Staying well-hydrated not only supports overall health but can also help manage cravings. Remember, you can add electrolytes to make sure the water is absorbed.

Prep Ahead: A bit of planning goes a long way. Prepare healthy snacks in advance so that when a craving hits, you can eat the pre-planned food while you wait for that craving to pass. Having nutritious options at your fingertips makes it easier to resist the temptation of less wholesome choices.

Sleep it off: ​If you have the option of taking a nap, go for it! However, since it’s unlikely that you’ll be able take a mid-afternoon nap, make sure you go to bed early enough so that you get a full nights sleep, that is likely 8-10 hours. It’s been proven that lack of sleep causes you to crave fast acting carbs (do you find yourself looking for candy or pretzels?) and you store more of that food rather than burn it off.

Fast: ​Fasting can help you reduce cravings. It might sound strange since you might think “But won’t I be hungry and crave more?” If done properly, your fasting experience can reduce cravings for unhealthy foods! It actually gives you more self-control.

Remember, adopting a healthier lifestyle is a step-by-step process. These simple strategies can make it more manageable, even on the busiest days.