Ditch Your Cravings With These 5 Simple Steps

Do you have a hard time kicking your cravings? Read on for SupermarketGuru’s top tips for cutting to the core of the cravings and banishing them altogether!

Do you have strong cravings for the foods you’re trying to avoid? The truth is that the cravings could be related to your daily habits or lifestyle choices, making healthy decisions harder. But that doesn't mean you can't do anything about it. SupermarketGuru shares with you tips from around the web so you can learn the five biggest mistakes when it comes to cravings and how to get yours under control.

You Skimp or Skip Breakfast!

Maybe you're not hungry in the morning – but getting something, other than coffee, for breakfast will benefit you later in the day. Studies have demonstrated that substantial breakfasts with at least 13 grams of protein lead to reduced cravings for sweet and savory foods compared to no breakfast at all. Researchers suspect that protein may help stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurochemical that may help manage cravings. Two eggs, half-cup of cottage cheese, or a cup of cooked oatmeal with two tablespoons of almond butter will keep you powered on protein. Keep in mind this trick can work throughout the day, make sure all meals and snacks include protein.

Make a Vice-Virtue Bundle
Food cravings aren't all or nothing. You can quench your craving while still eating healthy by pairing a larger portion of healthy foods with a small amount of your craving. Researchers from Vanderbilt University call it a "vice-virtue bundle" and this it could lead you to banish the cravings while not feeling deprived and at the same time getting the nutrition your body needs.  

Willpower

Willpower isn’t always successful and if you give in, you’re likely to feel bad about it. A winning strategy: distraction or postponing your craving. One study found that three minutes spent playing a game reduced the strength of food cravings better than a just waiting around. A 15-minute walk can also help reduce chocolate cravings, according to a study from the UK. Cravings are usually transient, so just stick it out!

Temptation is in your pantry or refrigerator
Get rid of it! If there are foods you know you don’t want to be eating, don’t keep them in your house! Out of sight, out of mind - and you’re not likely to make the effort to go out and buy some when a craving comes along. If these foods are in your office or you can’t get them out of the house, move them to the back of the pantry. Hide them behind the box of fruit-and-nut bars, so you see those first. Don’t keep the cookies in a cookie jar on the kitchen counter!

You Browse Instagram Or Pinterest

Yes, we can’t resist it either here at SupermarketGuru, but think about how the imagery of a gooey grilled cheese or steaming cinnamon bun affects your cravings… it makes them stronger!