(PCM) Doesn’t it seem like the minute you start a new diet it’s that much harder to resist the donuts at the office, or not finish your kid’s leftovers at dinner? Dieting is tough, and whatever the cause, food cravings can destroy your diet and your mindset.
The easiest cravings to fend off are physiological ones, because luckily, there are simple steps you can take to avoid them (unlike the more complicated emotional/psychological relationship).
One of the most important, simple steps for staying on track is by not skipping meals. If you go longer than 5 hours without food, your blood sugar drops – this is where the cravings really begin. You don’t want to get to the point where you’re so hungry that everything and anything will do. Make sure you’re eating every 3 to 4 hours, even if it’s just a small snack. Keep a portioned bag of almonds in your purse or at your desk to keep blood sugar levels stable in between meals. Low-calorie protein bars, fruit, Greek yogurt, and low-fat popcorn are also good options; just make sure you don’t go overboard with the calories.
It’s also important to make sure you’re getting adequate protein and fiber in every meal – not just for weight loss, but to help keep pesky cravings at bay. Protein and fiber help control blood sugar levels, too, which in turn will help prevent food cravings.
But remember, sometimes no matter how healthy your diet is, you can’t help but crave certain foods. Whether it’s a sweet or salty fix, or just a big chunk of bread, there’s nothing wrong with giving in once in a while. In fact, some weight loss programs even promote cheat meals or even cheat DAYS. Just don’t overdo it!
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Jillian Michael’s Tips for Curbing Hunger – Nuts, Brushing, and 3-Bite Mantra
