Amazing Ways to Beat the Food Cravings

Can’t get rid of that uncontrollable urge to grab something sweet, or super-salty? We’ve just made it easy. Read on…

Food cravings are often symbolic of something that your body is craving, or is deficient on. It also sometimes occurs as a result of a deep seated impulse after facing a situation or an emotion you can’t seem to handle. Whatever may be the case, we’ve just bought a set of super easy tips and tricks to handle these cravings.

Choose a healthier substitute: Sound’s easy, but it’s difficult. Not really. You just need to trick your mind into avoiding the high-sugar, high-fat and high-sodium foods without compromising on the taste. For instance, if you are desperately craving for something sweet, instead of grabbing a cupcake or a bar of chocolate, switch to a couple of dates-they are loaded with natural sugars. Grapes, prunes and raisins are good substitutes too!

Food Cravings-What Do They Really Mean?
Cravings often signify some need-whether nutritional or mental. Read on to find out if it’s really your sweet tooth or something else.

Similarly, when salt is on your mind, go for a dill or a carrot pickle. They don’t let you indulge in a huge amount of salt since you probably won’t be able to eat more than a couple of times, and give you that crunch and salty taste without the fat and calories of a bag of salted chips.

For cream lovers, switching the cream cheese for a dollop of low fat yogurt may help. You could experiment adding fruits to it for a sweet flavor, or add crushed garlic to it for a savory twist, which works great with crunchy veggies as a dip.

De-stress: A broken heart is the number one factor for an unhealthy indulgence. If you don’t believe it, don’t be surprised to find yourself, or someone close to you, rummaging through the kitchen shelves when facing something you can’t really control.

Junk food cravings not triggered by diet drinks
Researchers have claimed that sugar-free fizzy drinks are not behind cravings for junk food.

So the next time you’ve faced an opposition from someone close, or having a tough time dealing with your boss, find an alternate and waist-friendly way to find comfort. Try yoga, listen to some music, take a relaxing bath with aromatherapy oils or just play with your pet. Talking to an old pal also has similar benefits to gobbling down a cheesecake or a tub of ice-cream when you’re feeling low.

Cleanse your palate: This is probably one of the best mind tricks to avoid indulging in something unhealthy that you crave. Whenever you feel an urge coming up, just pop a couple of mints, or even better, just brush your teeth. The minty flavor left in your mouth after these activities will make anything you crave, yes anything, taste bad. Really bad.

Chocolate cravings not intensified before menstruation
Women's cocoa cravings do not escalate before menstruation suggests a new research which is contradicts former studies.

That way, you’re less likely to indulge in something that may be harmful for your body.

Indulge a bit: Surprised? Don’t be. There are low-fat and low-calorie substitutes for practically everything you love, coming up in the market, all thanks to technology. So don’t waste it, put it to use.

Monster drug reduces food cravings
A drug from Gila monster saliva effectively reduces carvings for food, say researchers.

Source-Medindia