Food Cravings While Trying To Lose Weight? Read This To Find An Answer!

The oodlicious ice-cream bowl in the freezer is calling you!

The bag of yummy potato chips is missing your presence!

The hot chocolate fudge that your friends had last night and posted a picture online, is giving to extremely torturous pangs! 

Well, this is what happens when you are on a diet regime, while trying to lose weight. In the hours of extreme hunger pangs, you tend to binge and there goes all day’s hardwork, down the drain. Removing all harmful caloried goodies from in and around helps to an extent, but in an emotionally weak moment, you wouldn’t mind ordering a comforting helping online. Right?

Then what does really work to bring down those cravings?

This is what works! When the cravings are strong, consider asking yourself these questions.

How long has it been since I ate? Is it a good time for a meal or snack?

How much protein have I eaten today? Did I start out the day with adequate protein to keep me fuelled?

• What else could I do right now to distract myself from food? (A distraction may be all that you need to take your mind off food)

• Did I get enough sleep last night?

• Am I feeling stressed right now?

Address these questions first. If you haven’t eaten enough or adequate protein, have a protein snack that will nourish you before reaching for the food you crave. If you are feeling tired or stressed, take a break from what you are doing, go for a walk or do some simple stretches. If you just need a distraction, I am sure if you think about it you can come up with a long list of things that you could do besides eating.

Foods To Prevent The Cravings 

You also have to make sensible choices in your eating to prevent those cravings from happening in the first place. Incorporate these healthy foods into your diet on a regular basis and you will find yourself feeling more satisfied and watch the cravings diminish.

Nuts

Walnuts, almonds, pistachios – nutrient packed powerhouses! Because nuts provide protein and a good amount of healthy fat, they keep you feeling satisfied longer. In addition, nuts are filled with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are great for your health. To save your money, buy nuts in bulk and package them in individual serving size containers so you always have an easy grab-and-go snack for when you will need it, at work or anywhere out!

Fruits

Though fruit is one of the sweeter whole foods in our diet, yet it is rich in fibre and water, and doesn’t create the same sugar cravings that eating a desert full of calories will. When you find yourself craving something sweet, reach for an apple, and even better top it with a tablespoon of honey. VOILA! You have just created a nutrition-rich snack that will give you energy that lasts, working on your sweet cravings alongside.

Vegetables

Of course filling your diet with lots of vegetables will help to keep you full and leave less room for cravings. Just think about what you are craving – crunchy or salty? Try lightly sauted and salted french beans or raw carrots or celery dipped in cilantro sauce. Giving yourself the crunch that will help satisfy the craving in a nourishing way, as there are no harmful calories in there.

Fibre

If you regularly consume 30-40 grams of fibre each day, not only will your GI tract be healthier, you will reduce your food cravings all day long. All fruits and vegetables are good sources of fibre, but some sources you may have not considered – beans (legumes, split peas, lentils), popcorn and whole grains. Pack popcorn in a bag to bring at work, make an easy bean salad or dip, or keep your freezer stocked with delicious bran muffins to grab and go. Find creative ways to get more out of what you eat!

Water or Green Tea

Often when we feel like we need to eat, it may be a result of not having enough to drink. Carry a water bottle with you and place the number of rubber bands on it for the number of times you want to fill it each day. Remove one rubber band each time you fill up the bottle so you can ensure that you are getting enough to drink each day. A warm cup of flavoured green tea will also hydrate you and is a great option to relax you if the cravings may be a result of stress or anxiety.

Food cravings are a challenge in our environment where alluring food is available at every turn. If you continue to make choices to nourish your body well, you will eliminate the cravings and you will be on your way to reaching your health and wellness goals, without any added stress.

Happy and healthy eating to you!