When a craving comes on, it is like you become the cookie monster from Sesame Street. You just grab and throw, grab and throw. Then after you are done you are consumed with so much guilt and maybe even an upset stomach. There are ways that you can control your cravings. Follow these simple tips and you'll see a big improvement in stopping your mindless munching.
First, do not skip meals. When you skip meals, your blood sugar plummets and you are more likely to choose unhealthy foods. When you eat every 2-4 hours your blood sugar stays stable throughtout the day. Your metabolism also stays in high gear. Choose meals with complex carbs, protein and a healthy fat.
Second, identify your triggers. Keep a detailed food journal for at least one week. Write down everything you eat as well as your moods before you ate. Once you know when and where you are most likely to crave and binge you can be proactive about stopping it. Third, try to wait out the craving. If you know that your stress level is up and it is not your belly that wants food it will take your brain about twenty minutes to release seratonin to come back and ease the stress. If you can wait that long, the craving will probably go away. Fourth, drink something. Someimes we are not hungry at all but are just thirsty. Have a glass of water or hot and wait just a few minutes to see if the craving passes.
Last, laugh. Research has shown that laughing is a great stress reliever. It releases endorphins to improve your mood and even burns calories. Keep these tips in mind and beat the binge monster.
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