Understanding Food Cravings
Food cravings can be one of the serious barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s a sudden desire for sugary items, salty snacks, or carb-loaded foods, these urges often strike at the most inconvenient times. While occasional indulgence is normal, frequent cravings can lead to overeating and negatively impact your health.
How to stop food craving:
Here are some ways:
- EAT ENOUGH PROTEIN: Protein deficiency can cause cravings for protein. When your body does not have the required amount of protein, it releases a hormone called CNMamide (CNMa). It signals the brain to eat more food that contains amino acids. Small amounts of protein throughout the day are the single best way for balancing blood sugar level and eliminating cravings.
- AVOID SUGAR: It is necessary to avoid sugar in all forms because sugar triggers unstable blood sugar levels and increases food cravings. It is necessary to stop sugar craving naturally.
- USE FLAXSEED OIL: Do you have a craving for fatty food? If yes, increase your intake of essential fatty acids through foods like flaxseed, walnut etc.
- EAT COMPLEX CARBS: If you eat complex carbs, like wholegrain, legumes etc. it will make you feel full and thus it will reduce your craving. As they are complex carbs, and they are digested slowly, it prevents blood sugar spike and hunger.
- SUPPLEMENT WITH TRACE MINERALS: Make sure to get enough zinc picolinate and chromium picolinate. Zinc and chromium help in reducing craving for sugar, carbs and other food cravings.
Simple strategies to avoid cravings:
- Identify stimulators that trigger your cravings. Whether it is stress, boredom, certain environments, or specific emotions.
- Use the “5-minute rule: Delay acting on the craving for 5-10 minutes, which often reduces its intensity. When you feel the craving, distract yourself and engage in a different activity when a craving hits (e.g., go for a walk, read, or call a friend).
- Remain Hydrated: Drink water, especially lukewarm water, when you feel a craving. Drinking green tea or red tea or flavored water can also help to eliminate food cravings.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep.Poor sleep can increase cravings,
- Build a Strong Mindset: Practice mindfulness to focus on the present and reduce emotional eating.
Remind yourself of your long-term goals, whether they are health-related or otherwise.
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