People experience food cravings for a variety of reasons from boredom to loneliness to food addiction to habit and many things in between. And I know that my tips below might be overly simplistic. The relationship between food and emotion is complex, often deep rooted, and can take more than my simple tips below. That’s why Kayla, coach at Ascend Fitness + Lifestyle offers workshops like Food Freedom, and coaches clients 1-1 on overcoming food related challenges.
With that being said, there are some strategies that make it easier to push through them! Next time you feel a craving coming on, try one of these:
- Brush your teeth. Between overwhelming your mouth with the flavor of toothpaste and having the clean mouth feeling, this is one of the best ways to kill a craving, particularly a craving for something sweet. Bonus: Rinse with mouthwash.
- Journal your successes. Write down all your wins for the day. By celebrating your successes, you will often want to keep the success going!
- Drink water. Often chugging a large glass of water can kill cravings within minutes.
- Wait it out for 15-20 minutes. Science shows that if you can wait to indulge for around 15-20 minutes that it’s likely you will no longer want the thing you’re craving.
- Dark chocolate. Keep some 85% or higher dark chocolate squares around to kill late night sweets cravings. Chances are it’ll kill the craving and you won’t want more than one piece.
- Exercise! Most people do not feel like eating straight after a workout, particularly any type of junk food.
- Drink plain hot tea. Any variety will do with nothing added to it!
Have you ever tried any of these? Which will you try when the next craving hits?
Yours in Health,
Tanja
P.S. If you do struggle with nutrition, you’re not alone! And I’ve been working on something that is going to help. It all starts June 25th and you’ll be the first to know when registration opens. I’ll be sending more details in the next day or so!!
