Fun, Mental Trick that Stops Food Cravings.

Dr. Nick Galante, M.D. - Certified Medical Doctor (M.D.) Harvard Medical School

Ever wonder why it is that even though you may have just eaten a healthy and filling dinner, you still crave desert? You may even feel hungry, though you are not! It’s these cravings that often derail your hopes for a leaner and sexier body. You know the feeling. You’ve done everything right in the day up until that point and those pesky thoughts of sweets just won’t go away.

The truth is that after a meal you are full. It’s not hunger that’s driving you to crave sweets. It’s appetite. The desire to have those flavors and the mental joy that comes with them. These foods actually incite the same neural circuitry as many drugs, and that’s why there is a literal addiction to them. But how do you break the cycle?

First realize what’s happening. You aren’t actually hungry. Cravings are often brought on by boredom, stress, or anxiety. You’d be surprised how much simple awareness can help with cravings. Next, find something to occupy you. Try going for a walk, play with your kids or pet, or read something engaging. Sometimes your body is thirsty though it comes through as the sensation of hunger. Drink a glass of water, wait five minute, and see if you are still feeling hungry or having cravings. You can also try brushing your teeth.

Cravings can be ingrained in you. If you find that cravings always come at a certain time of day or following a certain activity, they may be part of your routine. Changing things up may be necessary. For example, if you always walk a certain way after lunch back to your desk, take a different rout. If you always crave sweets with your afternoon coffee, try a different caffeinated drink or different coffee spot.

Night cravings are a particular problem. If you don’t have the food on hand in your pantry, you are less likely to go out and get it. So don’t stock a bunch of junk food. Eat a filling dinner with a lot of vegetables and fiber. If you stay full longer it can help to curve your appetite. Try chewing gum to occupy your mouth.

Don’t think of food as a reward for how good you’ve been with your diet and exercise. No real reward sabotages your progress. Your reward is results. Don’t let cravings stand in their way.

To learn more about other simple tips that can help you Burn More Fat and Lose Weight, Click Here.