Ways to Stop Food Cravings

Ways to Stop Food Cravings is a struggle for many of us. It is common for food cravings to happen just around bedtime.
Around that time of the day we are looking for some tasty treat before we go to bed. At times these craving are impossible to ignore.

WE KNOW the feeling all too well.The afternoon creeps around and as your energy levels slump, all you can thing about is chocolate. Or cake. Or a packet of chips.Or all of the above.Eventually you succumb to the craving, feel guilty and vow to do better tomorrow. It’s a frustrating cycle and it’s bloody hard to beat.But it’s not all doom and gloom. You can beat cravings and you can stop them for good. We spoke to two dietitians about why we get cravings and sure-fire ways to cure them.

Most food cravings have nothing to do with the need for nutrition but emotionally related.

We are hard-wired to crave food to nourish as the same way we crave sex to have children. So in order for human beings to survive we need to eat and we need to have kids.

Biology has the upper-hand and we cannot do much about it. We cannot just say it is biology and keep eating.  We will get as big as a whale in no time. Therefore, we have to be crafty and smart in our approach to cravings or they will control us.

So, how do we control the situation and work toward looking at ways to stop food cravings? Here are a few tips.

• In order to curb your cravings, you cannot eat what you do not have. For instance, if you love chocolate biscuits do not buy them. Keep healthy food on hand for those times you fall victim to temptation.

• Can you recognize the feelings and emotions that cause you to comfort eat? Do you eat when you are under stress? Recognize the feeling. When you get those kinds of feelings are you more likely to head for the kitchen cupboard? Make a note in your food diary. Label a column in your diary, ways to stop food cravings and keep careful notes.

• Curbing your hunger is a matter of self control and discipline. Although this is important, you will need support from friends and family. Discuss your over-eating habit with them to see if they may have ideas as to how you can curb it.

• Exercising increases the feel-good endorphin and that will help keep away the cravings. Doing some exercise you enjoy for at least 30 minutes a day will be sufficient.

• If you cannot resist the temptation, eat food between 100-200 calories. Choose low fat foods.

How To Overcome Food Cravings

• Do not skip meals. Eat smaller meals about six a day. Try some relaxation or do something pleasurable to get you away from comfort eating.

• Set a timer for one hour. If after the hour you still feel the craving, have a small amount of what you fancy. Set the timer for another hour and get busy doing something. Most cravings lasts no more than 20 to 30 minutes. After the hour the problem may be solved.

• One of the ways to stop food cravings is pop a stick of chewing gum in your mouth. Get calorie free, it tends to stop you snacking.

• Have a glass of water; you may be thirsty and not hungry.

• Throw out all the unhealthy foods you have in the fridge and cupboards. Plan carefully and you will succeed. The goal here is to eat sensibly, be cheerful, and live long!

Check out 60 Ways To Lose Weight.