Whether or not we give in to these cravings is often what separates the "in shape" from the "not in shape" people. Sure, willpower plays a big roll in making the right decisions, but often it's a mind control issue.
Here are a few tips to help avoid cravings and control the naughty bit in your mind which has you reaching for the biscuit tin.
Eat...
When you go too long between meals the body becomes "over-hungry" and will inevitably lead to you making rushed and unhealthy food choices. Keep your body fed and satisfied and watch how your food choices become a lot healthier
Drink...
Your mind will often confuse being thirsty and being hungry. Avoid this mix up and stay hydrated all day; not JUST during exercise. When it comes to water, if you have it, you'll drink it. Keep a bottle with you all day EVERY day!
Sleep...
I can't emphasise the importance of sleep enough! A lack of sleep will generally lead to a needy feeling for comfort food and cravings for the bad stuff that you love. Sleep is when we rest and muscles repair, low levels of minerals and hormones are replenished and we improve our alertness for every day life and exercise. A lack of sleep can also lead to increased levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) which is linked to increased storage of body fat around the abdomen area - now who wants that!?...
Eat a protein based breakfast...
Breakfast sets you up for the day. Not only does it replenish lost nutrients from your recent starvation period (sleep) and spark up your metabolism, but it also sets your mind on track for the day. Start with a sugary cereal or similar and watch your food choices for the day deteriorate. Begin your day with a protein based breakfast such as eggs and your body will crave protein all day
Remove temptation...
Go shopping just after eating and you'll be surprised how few of the naughty treats that you fancy. Make a conscientious effort to not pick up any treats. If a packet of cookies mistakenly found its way into your basket, destroy it. It's the only way! If it's there it'll get eaten at some point. If it's ruined and thrown away you'll soon get over it
Don't eat with emotion...
Most people will relate some form of food to emotions. Just think, when you're sad what do you fancy eating? There's probably something that springs to mind. Next time you have an issue make a big effort to not eat snack and stick to your usual daily food intake. If you can kill this habit, emotional eating will soon be a thing of the past. it should be pretty hard anyway now that you don't have treats in the house! Better still, when you're sad or angry go to the gym. Not only will the endorphins make you feel a load better, but you'll be building a new, more healthy emotional habit
Stay busy...
Most people are guilty of boredom eating. Avoid being bored and avoid boredom eating - simple! Try to not be left for long periods of time on your own with food in the house and little to do. If you're working on something you dislike then set yourself small targets and rewards for hitting them such as more sleep, TV time, exercise time, anything but food based treats!
Reward yourself...
The LAST step, if you do all of this, is to give in to temptation (on a planned occasion) and eat what you enjoy eating. This isn't an instant reward and should be scheduled ahead of time so that you have something to aim for should you eat properly all week, like "fat Friday". Eat the food you like but don't go over the top. Try to control portion size and where possible, still opt for the healthier option, i.e: grilled chicken or turkey from the Chinese takeaway rather than battered pork balls
I hope some of these tips can be of use and help stifle those horrible, naughty, mischievous little cravings and make the right choice!!
Make the right choices!! Good Luck!!!
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