6 Ways To Control Your Food Cravings

Isn’t controlling food cravings difficult ? Many many of us find it difficult to control our for cravings. We do get that urge to grab a cookie, doughnut or crisp, especially at night. Wouldn’t it be great if we were able to control our food cravings, to reduce our appetite towards these unhealthy foods that make us gain weight? The good news, we can!
Controlling these cravings is certainly necessary to safeguard ourselves from getting unhealthy or getting out of shape. Here are 6 ways to help you reduce your appetite and control your cravings for unhealthy foods:

HOW CAN YOU CONTROL YOUR CRAVINGS?

Every food can have a place in a well-balanced diet, as long as it’s eaten in moderation. But if you find that it is time to get control over your food cravings because they’re impacting your weight or your other efforts for better health, try these tips:

* Eat more often: Eating every few hours can help you keep your blood sugar levels steady and make you less likely to desperately crave something to eat. Split your breakfast and lunch into two portions, so you have something to munch on in between each meal.

* Eat slowly:It can take up to 20 minutes for your stomach to send the message to your brain that it’s full. If you slow down and savor each bite, reaching for candy right after dinner may seem less appealing.

* Distract yourself:

If a craving strikes, do something else until it passes. Exercise, go for a walkaround the block, call a friend, sort the mail — anything that keeps you busy and your mind off food for a bit. If you’re still hungry after 30 minutes, have a little snack.

* Make smart substitutions:

Craving a cupcake from the corner bakery? Try making your own and tweaking the recipe to make it healthier. Or, eat a better-for-you option — like a juicy apple or a decadent fig — to satisfying your desire for sweetness.

* Limit your trigger foods:

Your body can develop a tolerance to certain foods, much like alcohol or a drug, making you want more and more of it. The more you consume, the more you’ll want to consume. Try buying foods you can’t seem to resist in small amounts, or only once a month.

* Skip artificial sweeteners:

Eating or drinking something that contains artificial sweeteners can actually increase your appetite for sweetness more than something with real sugar, meaning you may end up eating more than you intended. Try turning to 100 percent fruit juices or honey for a touch of what you crave.