How to Stop Food Cravings
People with excessive food cravings will quickly tell you that their eating habits are born out of physical necessity. Food cravings that go unfulfilled can be difficult to overcome for the average person. You need to develop a healthy way to stop your cravings to help lose weight and gain a better understanding of how food affects your life.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Control Your Cravings in a Healthy Way
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1
Track the time of day and the duration of your food cravings before you proceed with a new diet. You should use this chart to help you anticipate cravings with a glass of water or a healthy snack.
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2
Ease yourself off unhealthy food cravings with portion control. Dieters often stop eating cookies, candy and red meat without a transition period. You can cut down your portions over 7 to 14 days, depending on the food you consume, to establish healthier food habits.
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3
Deal with your food cravings by consuming healthy foods and liquids. You should keep water or green tea as well as rice cakes and raw vegetables around as a way to trick your mind during your cravings.
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4
Maintain a high level of hydration throughout your day to stop habits involving soft drinks. You should drink at least 1 oz. of water for every 2 lbs of body weight with additional water if you exceed your ideal weight. This simple step allows you to avoid the temptation to drink high-calorie sodas when you are thirsty.
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5
Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of eating three large meals to avoid the temptation to snack on bad foods. You should eat at least six smaller meals or larger snacks of healthy food to keep your insulin level regulated while you are awake.
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6
Avoid working out on an empty stomach by consuming high-protein snacks a half hour before you head to the gym. You should keep a steady supply of unsalted peanuts, walnuts and low-calorie protein bars in your home to avoid cravings after you get back from working out.
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7
Speak with your family, friends and roommates about your desire to stop food cravings. Your support system can help enforce your dietary restrictions and support you when you are doubting your new diet.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Curb your food cravings by getting sufficient sleep each night. Individuals who get more sleep decrease their output of cortisol and ghrelin. Cortisol contributes to increases in fat around the mid-section while ghrelin is a hormone that triggers cravings in the brain.
