Well, we’re two weeks into the new year and the cravings are starting to get the best of me. Overall, I eat a pretty healthy diet, but every year I convince myself that I will give up chocolate or French fries or one of my unhealthy indulgences. This year, I’ve made it two weeks and the cravings are starting to sneak up on me. Actually, I would love a few French fries right now!!! I’m sure many other people are in the same boat. Everyone wants to stick to their healthy diet plan, especially right after the holidays, but it can be hard. I came up with 15 strategies to help us fight off our cravings. Hope they help! ...
- Eat breakfast – It’s been shown that a high fiber breakfast decreases appetite and cravings later in the day.
- Schedule snacks throughout the day and evening. Keep them small, 100 – 150 calories like low-fat yogurt and nuts or hummus and baby carrots.
- Eat when you are hungry and stop when you are satisfied. Overeating can lead to cravings.
- Have a little protein at each meal.
- Limit simple sugars like juice, candy, soda and cookies. Increase complex carbohydrates like oatmeal, whole wheat bread and brown rice to cut down on sugar cravings.
- Eat high fiber snacks like whole grain cereal, oatmeal, fruit, dried fruit or ½ a turkey sandwich made with whole wheat bread (add some lettuce and tomato slices for even more fiber).
- Don’t skip meals.
- Limit alcohol – alcohol is a depressant and can stimulate appetite.
- Avoid very low calorie diets (most people shouldn’t go below 1200 calories a day).
- Don’t eliminate one whole food group.
- Allow yourself indulgences in small amounts to avoid binges.
- Give up guilt. If you stray from your healthy eating plan, just get right back to it.
- Realize a craving will pass. Try to occupy your time with something else when you have a craving. Read a book, call a friend or even write a letter.
- Don’t label foods as forbidden or bad. All foods can fit at some time in moderation.
- Exercise – Exercise had been shown to decrease cravings.
- Jennifer
Labels: healthy tips, Jennifer
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