Crush your Cravings
Posted by BEAST Sports on
- Distraction: The fastest way to shake a craving is to occupy yourself with something else. Obviously my preference is that it's something physical, as the endorphin rush will give stress hormones the boot and physiologically stop the craving. If that's not possible, paint your nails, call a friend, play a game, whatever. Give your mind something else to focus on.
- Substitution: Craving chips? Make kale chips. Mom's apple pie? Bake an apple till its gooey inside, and cover it with cinnamon and agave nectar. Get creative! You can make a healthy version of anything!
- Give in, but just a little: This is the opposite of substitution, but I've seen it work just as well. If you can't live without it, go ahead and have it. I've consumed hundreds more calories avoiding certain foods than I would have with a single serving of what I was avoiding. The trick here is to be honest with yourself; this method is not for the weak-willed. If you can break off a square of chocolate and be satisfied, do it. If you can't, employ another tactic.
- Turn off the television: How many solid meal plans are unraveled after 9 pm by mindless munching in front of the tube? Those calories show up in the daylight even if you eat them in the dark, people. Read a book! Or a magazine. Or a website. You can't stuff you're face if your hands are busy turning pages. If you must watch t.v (and sometimes- hello, Walking Dead- we must!), and snacking is an issue, chew some strong, minty gum.
- Play the tape all the way through: This one takes the most practice, and the results won't be instant, but it truly puts an end to mindless eating once you get it down. Eating is only a temporary activity; once you've given in to the craving, it's like it never happened. Five minutes later, the only difference between giving in and resisting is the way you look and feel after. So jump to the end. How will you feel after falling off the wagon? Bloated, guilty and physically primed for more cravings, to name a few. If you can focus on the end result, the craving will naturally pass. Your psyche, and your waistline, will thank you.
