Wondering how to stop cravings naturally?
Cravings are often hard to resist which is why when we’re learning how to stop cravings we often need all the help we can get!
Below are 6 great ways for you to learn how to stop food cravings, particularly carb cravings and sugar cravings – and understand the difference between hunger and cravings.
1. Change your perspective
Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to do something when you make the decision rather than somebody else telling you? Finding a justification for why you’re giving up a certain food can be a great way to help you stop cravings. If you focus on the choice and the desired outcome it will give you a reason to fight back and leave that otherwise tempting junk food, ice cream or piece of chocolate cake on the bench.
2. How to stop cravings – wait it out
Anyone who has ever tried a new diet for weight loss or to improve health knows that the first week or two are the hardest because you’re being forced to make substantial changes. However, have you ever noticed that once you’ve gone without a food for a while, you almost forget about it and potentially no longer even enjoy the taste?
3. Break a bad habit
This is the idea that lead to the government’s ‘swap’ campaign in the fight for a healthier population. Basically, it recommends that instead of going cold turkey whcih can lead to binge eating, you gradually replace bad foods with healthy ones in your routine. For example, swap a processed sugar dessert with a piece of fruit. Just remember that a new habit takes roughly 60 days to adopt so don’t expect this type of change to happen overnight.
Related: Are your cravings leading to bloating? Read about how to relieve bloating
4. Meet in the middle
Refuse to give up chocolate? Can’t live without salt? That’s fine, just try and find healthier versions of the foods you love. Try swapping sugary white or milk chocolate for an 85% dark chocolate of good quality or even try munching on cacao. Swap highly processed table salts for rock salts which are packed full of minerals. Instead of buying a cake, try making your own with less sugar, butter and a different flour (I recommend almond meal or other gluten free flours).
Related: Why your health problems may have started in the digestive system
5. Distract yourself
Ever get to the point where you want cake so badly you can’t think about anything else? This is the perfect time to look for a distraction! Put yourself in an environment that doesn’t have that naughty food. Try going for a walk or doing some other form of exercise. By finding something else to turn your mind to, it can become much easier to fight the cravings that seemed almost impossible to resist just minutes earlier.
6. Mindful eating
Finally, practice mindful eating. Mindful eating is about taking notice of the moment-by-moment experience, bringing full awareness to your food in the moment rather than eating mindlessly. You are focusing on the sensual experience of touch, taste, smell, sight, sight and sound. Mindful eating increases your sensation of fullness which can lead to higher satisfaction with meals and reduced cravings.
Addressing cravings can be a challenging process. I am here to help if you would like support in your journey.