6 Healthy Ways To Keep Your Cravings At Bay

How many times have you started out on a stringent diet only to give in to the first craving that came your way? It’s not entirely your fault actually. Sugary foods are literally addictive and can make your body crave for them even though your rational mind tells you otherwise. So here are 6 ways you can keep your cravings at bay. But it’s definitely not going to be a cake walk.

# Avoid Triggers

There are essentially two kinds of cravings. The first type is an internal stimulus where your body craving for a particular food and the second one comes due to an external stimulus where you look at something which makes you crave. Work towards recognizing your triggers and try to avoidpeople, places, and things that fuel your cravings. If you’re going out with friends and don’t want to eat too much, have a snack before leaving so that you’re less likely to crave for foods you’re going to see.

# Balance Your Blood Sugar

Did you know that low blood sugar levels are associated with lower overall brain activity, including lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s stop switch.Low brain activity lowers your sugar levels making you feelhungry, irritable, or anxious, all three are states of mindwhich make you more likely to make poor food choices. Keep your sugar levels consistent through the day by having anutrient-rich breakfast and packing snacks with seeds and nuts to munch on through the day. Eating smaller meals at regular intervals also helps eliminate highs and lows in blood sugar.

# Eliminate Sugars And Carbs

Another great way to reduce cravings is to completely eliminate sugars and artificial sweeteners from your diet. When you eat foods likecandy, potatoes, white bread, pretzels, sodas, sweetened alcohol, and fruit juice, your blood sugar levels spike making you feel good for a while. But when the sugar levels drop, you suddenly find yourself craving for more food. Also, manyhigh-fat, high-sugar, high-calorie foods light up the same parts of your brain asmorphine or heroin. In other words, these foods cause an addiction that is hard to shake off.

# Eat Slow Carbs

Carbs are not all bad and are important for your overall health. You just need to make the right choices. Carbohydrates that your need to avoid include simple sugars and refined products. Choose high fiber carbs like vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains! They will keep you fuller longer and help you with weight loss. The less processed they are, the better for your body.

# Drink More Water

You’ve probably heard this a million times but this simple formula for good health is absolutely worth repeating. In the case of cravings and hunger, not having enough water can make you feel like you’re hungry. Your body can sometimes confuse signals of dehydration with signals of hunger. Having a glass of water 30 minutes before your meal can help you feel fuller and reduce your food intake.

# Increase Your Protein

If you want to feel satisfied for a longer period of time, you need to make sure protein is an important part of your diet.Protein fills you up and regulates your blood sugar while making your body release appetite suppressing hormones.