Food cravings are the enemy of anyone trying to follow a healthy eating plan. They’re the most common reason diets fail and people struggle to lose weight.
It can be incredibly hard to fight against unhealthy food and sugar cravings. So, here are some tips to help you avoid them in the future:
1. Drink more water
People often confuse being thirsty with being hungry or craving food. Next time you feel the urge to snack, try drinking a large glass of water then wait a few minutes.
If you’re actually just thirsty, the craving will quickly fade away. It can also serve as a distraction, especially if you add some lemon, cucumber, or lime to it for extra taste.
2. Avoid skipping meals
Skipping meals is a common tactic for dieters. But, it can also make it so much harder to fight food cravings, and eating regular healthy meals can reduce temptation.
The best way to stay healthy is to create a healthy meal plan each week and stick to it. Start planning nutritious meals with healthy snacks in between if needed.
3. Get enough sleep
Do you get the right amount of sleep every night? If not, it could be causing poor appetite regulation and this can mean stronger cravings for sugary foods.
Getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night can make you feel less hungry and dramatically reduce the need for high energy foods to get through the day.
4. Know your trigger foods
It’s much easier to manage cravings when you know what your trigger foods are so you can avoid them. Some common culprits include cakes, doughnuts, ice cream, crisps, and chocolate.
If you know which foods you crave the most, make sure you avoid buying them and don’t keep loads of them in the house. That way, you’ll have to eat a healthier alternative instead.
5. Eat a balanced diet
Balanced meals should include whole grain carbs and lean protein, as this will keep you fuller for longer and reduce the risk of sugar dips which can lead to junk food cravings.
You should also include a variety of fruits and vegetables. This will help you get all the vitamins you need, which will keep your energy levels high during the day.
6. Go for a walk
Finding ways to distract yourself will help massively when it comes to staving off cravings. One way to do this is by going for a walk – which has many additional health benefits, too.
Physical activity is also known to reduce stress, which can contribute to cravings. Just 30 minutes walking outside in the fresh air can make a huge difference!
7. Pick healthier snacks
If you’re prone to snacking and are finding it hard to stop, another option is to choose healthier snacks. This can satisfy your cravings without sabotaging your diet.
Some options include fresh berries, a fruit smoothie, or peanut butter on whole grain toast. These snacks will keep you full for longer and have more nutritional value.
