It’s not just you. Even people with the strongest willpower can be defenseless against one of the most powerful urges we know: the food craving. By itself, there’s nothing wrong with a food craving and you don’t need to always fight them. But if you’re trying to manage your weight, you’ll notice that your cravings are usually for the sorts of foods that you’re trying to avoid.
Tips to Avoid Food Cravings
Following are the tips to avoid food cravings:
Pinch your nose or earlobes for 10 seconds: This is an ancient acupressure secret; acupuncturists believe that these pressure points restore balance in your energy, as imbalances and blockage of energy cause cravings. Weight loss patients who used acupressure techniques are able to maintain their weight loss better than those who didn’t use it.
Lighten up and use brighter bulbs in your dining room: Dim lights lower your inhibitions, and let you feel better about eating more. 1100-watt bulbs work well.
Add Vinegar to your diet: Apple cider or organic red wine fit the bill. Vinegar improves digestion by keeping food in the stomach longer, reducing the hunger hormone ghrelin. You’ll feel full for longer. Vinegar also helps prevent blood sugar spikes after a meal, helping cravings for 3 hours after.
Boost your Magnesium: Intense chocolate cravings can be signs of magnesium deficiency. Eat more leafy green veggies, they’re full of magnesium, and can help you fight off stress and discourage intense cravings.
Brush your teeth: Minty toothpaste cleanses your palate and will kill the taste of anything you crave. You’re much less likely to snack if you’ve just brushed your teeth; anything you try will taste awful.
Cut out sweeteners in your morning coffee: They spike your insulin levels which leave you with a huge drop later, causing you to crave more.
Wait 15 minutes: All cravings pass, and if you can distract yourself for 15 minutes with a short burst of exercise you will burn calories and release some endorphins while forgetting about that treat. Try a brisk walk around the block, climb a few flights of stairs or do 20 push-ups.