We all have cravings at one time or another. Craving is the extreme desire for a certain food. The craving was so strong that it was almost irresistible. Whether it’s salt or sugar cravings, cravings are normal. It’s our body’s way of telling us what it needs to keep going.
What we choose to eat can be a good or bad choice. Get the urge to eat something sweet. That can be satisfied with a slice of cake or a serving of fruit. Fruit would be a healthier option. Craving something salty? Instead of reaching for chips, try some nuts instead.
The way to improve health
If you’re always craving unhealthy choices, you can change. To make this change, you first need to recognize the unhealthy choices you may be making. Then you’ll need to find alternative ways to handle those cravings. Some suggestions include:
- Start slow. Only one appetite change at a time. If sweets are your biggest challenge, choose a specific food for a change. Think about your biggest weakness. Is it candy, ice cream, or maybe a cake? That’s where you should start to change.
- Practice mindful eating. Think about what you are eating and when you plan to eat it. If you plan your meals in advance and eat right, you can reduce impulsive eating. You can focus on healthy alternatives. Also, write down a list of your favorite alternatives so you don’t have to think about it every time. You just have to look at the list.
- Find a replacement. If you like chocolate, switch to a small portion of dark chocolate. It’s healthier. If you like mashed potatoes, try mashed cauliflower. It tastes a lot like a potato and is healthy.
- Add a recurring goal. After you’ve started slow and have succeeded, add a new goal. For example, if your first goal is to tackle dessert after dinner, make it your second goal to pack a healthy lunch.
- Set realistic expectations. No one is perfect. Remember that we all fail. Keep trying and keep your goal in front of you.
- Reduce your stress. Many people eat when they are stressed. Find a new way to handle your stress. For example, go for a walk, practice deep breathing, listen to music, or call a friend when you’re craving something to eat.
- Drink more water. Water keeps you full and less hungry. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day if possible. Sip from it throughout the day.
- Increase your protein. Protein includes things like lean meats, nuts, eggs, and cheese. When you’re craving something unhealthy, try a low-fat mozzarella bar, a handful of nuts, or a few slices of cold turkey instead.
- Stay away from temptation. When nothing else works, stay away from your temptation. Get out of the kitchen, leave the grocery store, or leave the buffet table. Even avoid bringing into the house foods that you know are causing you to eat poorly.
- Avoid going to the market when hungry.Never go shopping on an empty stomach. You will buy all the wrong stuff. It’s best to eat before you go shopping, bring a list of the foods you need and stick to that list.
- Don’t go out to eat on an empty stomach. When you go to a restaurant with friends or family, try eating a healthy snack before you leave the house. This will make you less hungry when it’s time to order.
- Sleep a lot. Insufficient sleep impairs our judgment. We cannot think clearly. That means we don’t make the best food choices. In addition, when we are too tired, we tend to turn to sugary or salted fast foods for energy (like candy or chips). These foods only give you a short-term energy boost and don’t last long. Protein will boost your energy and last longer.
Things to consider
Cravings for unhealthy foods are normal on rare occasions. However, doing it all the time can lead to health problems. These problems include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and some cancers.