Cravings are not inherently a “bad” thing. A craving is your body’s way of letting you know that you “need” something. We tend to turn to food as a way to fill a void, give us a boost, or numb out from stressful or anxious feelings. Knowing this is the first step to putting the brownie down. Tapping into an alternative strategy is the second step to resisting the craving. Try these methods to give your body and mind what it might be “craving” and bust out of old habits.
Stop And Breathe
By changing your breath, we can change how we feel. If you are feeling anxious and want to numb out with food, try slowing down and breathing. Stop racing and just sit or stand still. Slowly take in as much breath as you can, hold it for a few seconds, and release even longer on the exhale (hyperextend your belly). Calming your body and mind in this manner may be just what you need. It sure beats a cupcake.
Check Your Bevvies
It sounds crazy, but sometimes sweet cravings are a sign of dehydration. So, down 8-ounces of water and see if you still have the craving. Also, too much caffeine mimics a blood sugar crash – you’re high for a bit, but then you come
crashing down and crave more caffeine or sugar to get you back on the rollercoaster ride.
Sleep!
Getting sleep is easier said than done. But if you’re constantly tired, your body is going to look for energy in the form of sugar and caffeine. Either power down an hour earlier each night or give yourself a mid-day cat nap.
Time Your Meals
My favorite saying is, failure to plan is planning to fail. If you haven’t planned your healthy meals and made sure they are readily available when you need to eat, you may be setting yourself up for repeated disaster. Plan what your meal will be and time your meal to ensure you don’t wait too long in between eating. This will ensure that you aren’t starving between meals, and therefore, reaching for a quick fix.
Check Your Protein
Too little or too much protein in your diet can lead to massive sweet cravings. When I work with clients, we try to find their sweet spot for protein intake so they feel satisfied.
Move Yo’ Self
I often say, move a muscle, change a thought. If a food craving pops into your head because you saw an ad for
Dunkin Donuts, get up and walk. Movement is another kind of food for your body. It releases stress, and it makes you feel and look great. When you don’t get enough, your body looks for other ways to blow off steam, like binging on
Starbursts.
Create New Post-Meal Rituals
Many people struggle with food in the evening hours. You eat dinner, and feel all the excitement is over for the day. The next thing you know, you’re opening the cabinet and eating everything in sight. What are some other possibilities for post-meal- rituals? How about a walk after dinner, reading the book you’ve put off since last summer, or playing a game with your spouse or kids? Sometimes we just love dessert. Plan it, and allow it after you have done something else that feels nourishing. Try a healthy version of what you love or opt for a flavored tea with a bit of Truvia.
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