I’m human, and just like you, I still get cravings. It’s not the end of the world and it doesn’t mean that I just give in and eat whatever I want when I want it. Everyone is different, so some of these tips and tricks may or may not work for you, but what do you have to lose right?
Swap the Bad for the Good
I get some really strong cravings for chocolate now and then, just like everyone else does. Rather than having some Cadbury dairy milk chocolate, I’ll swap it with some dark chocolate, organic where possible, and I find that I’m just as satisfied. Raw and dark chocolate has a heap of health benefits too! Just swap whatever the bad craving is for a better version – this way you can have your cake and eat it too!
Swap chips for nuts
Swap dairy milk for dark or raw chocolate
Swap soft drink for lemon/lime water
Swap bread for gluten free bread or home made ‘Paleo’ bread
Get Enough Sleep
As weird as is sounds, getting enough sleep every night will actually help you lose weight and knock your cravings on the head. Studies have shown that when you lack sleep you will reach for higher calorie foods! Aim for 7-9 hours each night and watch your cravings disappear. Keep your sleeping area as dark as possible and get rid of any form of lights – this include your phone so move it well away from your body.
Plan Ahead
I’m talking about cheat meals or reefed meals here – it’s a happy day in our house when this meal rolls around! I find it really beneficial to plan what I’m going to have, so when I get a craving mid week for some potato or chocolate, I write it down and make sure I have some in my reefed meal. It helps keep me sane!
G L U T A M I N E
Glutamine is one of those “I cant live without’ supplements – it covers most of what I need. It’s a chalky substance with no taste and is a great supplement for cravings. Take 1 tsp with water when your cravings hit and watch them disappear! If you’re feeling a bit fancy, add 1 tsp of glutamine to 2 tbsp of double cream (if you can have dairy) and a pinch of raw cacao powder – mix it all up and enjoy!
Eat, sleep and be Fat
Fats control cravings in my books, so if you haven’t had enough fat in your diet that day, don’t be surprised if you get some cravings. Aim for a small amount of good fats in every meal and you’ll find that those ‘bad’ foods aren’t all that interesting anymore.
Try some of these:
Coconut oil
Raw nuts
Avocadoes
Olive oil
So next time those cravings hit, you’ve got some guaranteed ways to knock them on the head!