Cravings can turn a good diet day into a disaster. They can make any standard diet day a real challenge. Cravings are caused by several things. You can have cravings when your blood sugar is low. Hormones can cause cravings. Additionally, you may have cravings based on the emotions you’re feeling. For example, if you just got yelled at by your boss, you may find yourself craving sweets. Depending on the cause of the craving, you can beat it. Here are a few ideas to help you overcome your cravings.
Banishing Cravings Top Tip #1 Keep a healthy snack with you at all times. One of the most common causes of cravings is low blood sugar. It is caused by eating food high in sugar. Your blood sugar spikes; an hour later it is back at rock bottom. The result is a craving for more sweets.
Keeping a healthy snack in your purse, drawer, car or pocket will help you fend off cravings. Good snacks include nuts, rice crackers, vegetables, fruit, or seeds. Natural snack bars are also an easy way to grab a healthy snack. Make sure the bar doesn’t have any added sugar.
Banishing Cravings Top Tip #2 Protein. Protein is a great way to help fend off cravings. It helps balance your blood sugar and keeps your metabolism level. It also helps you stay full longer. Add lean protein to your meals and snacks to ban cravings.
Banishing Cravings Top Tip #3 Drink something first. We often misinterpret the signals our body is sending us. We may think we are hungry when in fact we are dehydrated. When you feel hungry or are having a craving, have a glass of water instead of sugary juice or soft drinks. Water fills you up, helps balance your metabolism, and it may banish that craving immediately.
Banishing Cravings Top Tip #4
Learn to manage stress. Stress is what often causes emotional eating. When we have stress, it is much more difficult to manage depression, fear, and even anger and frustration. These are the emotions that lead to emotional eating. Take a B-Complex vitamin, get plenty of rest and consider adopting some stress management techniques. Meditation, exercise and a balanced diet help manage stress.
Banishing Cravings Top Tip #5 Cut yourself some slack. Eliminating your favorite foods from your diet can also cause cravings. Instead of eliminating your favorite foods, make room for them. Moderation is key. If, for example, your favorite food is chocolate then consider letting yourself have a small bit of chocolate each day or on Fridays at the end of the work week.
Be prepared for cravings and you can nip them in the bud. Have snacks on hand and eat well and often to keep blood sugar balanced. Stay hydrated and take good care of yourself. Cravings are a part of life. Learn to manage them and you won’t have to worry about them sabotaging your dieting efforts.
I’ve got a quick no-cook recipe for you today that’s packed with craving-crushing ingredients!
That means you can pack it up and bring it to work for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack! Or you can enjoy it at home whenever you want a creamy-crunchy treat.
This spicy dip is packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats which means it can prevent cravings. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into your daily diet.
Try using bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, or maybe even broccoli florets!
Black Bean Dip (Makes 4 servings) 1 15-oz (425 gram) can of black beans, rinsed 1⁄4 cup (55 g) plain Greek yogurt 1 tbsp fresh lime juice 1-2 dashes of your favorite hot sauce (or sriracha) – more to taste 1⁄2 tsp each ground cumin and garlic powder 1⁄4 tsp each salt and pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 1⁄4 cup (40 g) chopped onion
Place all the ingredients EXCEPT oil and onion in a food processor, and process until smooth. Add oil and onion and pulse until well mixed (about 20 seconds). Taste and adjust the seasonings. Place in a bowl and serve with pepper slices, celery, carrots, or your favorite fresh veggies to dip.
I hope this helps you keep your cravings at bay!
If you need help with your nutrition or weight loss, I encourage you to set up a free call to see how I can help you improve your health and well-being. Book your free call here.
Comments