Earlier this month, I talked about appetite, gauging your hunger, and using that to determine what you eat. Another layer to your appetite is cravings. When you are trying to eat healthier and/or limit the carbs and junk food, do you get a craving for something sweet, fatty, or salty that makes you head to your cabinets or pantry for a little piece of happiness? Lord knows I do! In all of my years of a dietitian, I have yet to hear someone say that they crave carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli. That’s why you need to eat something your taste buds are not actually longing for!
Side Note: If you have had those cravings (carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, etc.), let me know in the comments. I want to acknowledge you and let you know how truly special you are!
We crave food for a number of reasons. It could be triggered by something external such as a smell or an advertisement. It could also be an internal cue such as craving for something we haven’t had in a while or something that our bodies are used to having quite often, like caffeine – coffee anyone? Regardless of how you were enticed to lust after the item, a war has just begun between your brain and your gut. Here are some things you can try to help reduce the cravings or even get rid of them:
- Allow yourself to have a taste
- Focus on the food or beverage
- Limit distractions that take your attention away from eating
- Try to eliminate any triggers (treats in the break room, aromas, commercials, etc.)
- Slowly wean yourself from any foods to which you may be slightly addicted
Controlling your minds (because your gut is a second brain) and cravings are a beast! But, once you get better at this skill, you will be able to stop avoiding food, stop dieting, and eat what you want – in moderation, of course.
I am in the development stage of a product that will show you how this is done, and it is going to completely change the way that you look at food. Sign up for my email list so you can be one of the first to know when it is ready! It is going to be a GAME CHANGER!
Kwynntessential Solutions 