To give in, or not to give in? That is the question…
So said our literary friend William Shakespeare many moons ago… Well, not quite, but you get the gist. Knowing how best to navigate your cravings can really help you to stay on track and up your mindful-eating game.
So to help you smash out your 2018 health goals, we’ve rounded up our fave tips and tricks for when cravings hit.
Drink some water…
Before you reach for that block of choccy, have a big glass of water. Hunger can often be mistaken for thirst, so you might just find that your cravings pass when the H20 hits your tongue. Consider adding some berries or fresh peppermint leaves to your water to mix things up a bit. The scent of peppermint has been shown to decrease hunger cravings, so give it a sniff while you’re at it!
Go for a brisk walk, or better, a run…
Hungry or bored? Sometimes it can be seriously hard to tell, right? Research has shown that exercise, particularly the intense kind, can actually minimise hunger. We’re not saying that you should hit the gym every time a craving strikes! But hey, if you’re reaching for food because you’re bored or understimulated, then it can’t hurt to lace up your runners, switch up your surroundings and breathe in some fresh air.
Get a whiff of this…
If you’re craving coffee, chocolate or sweets for the energy boost that they provide, there is an alternative. Sniffing citrus fruits (and their essential oils) is natural way to boost your energy that won’t have you slurping on caffeine, energy drinks or sugary treats. Preliminary studies have even shown that smelling grapefruit (particularly grapefruit oil) may reduce appetite.
Brush your teeth…
Feeling the need for an after-dinner treat, even though you’ve had your fill? Often, brushing your teeth cleanses your palate as well as providing the little burst of sweetness that you’re hankering for. Besides, food tastes gross after toothpaste, so you’ll be far less inclined to nibble mindlessly!
Eat real food and balanced meals…
If you’re never satisfied after a meal (or you’re not eating three proper meals in the first place) then it only stands to reason that you’ll be reaching for something else within the hour. Protein is a must to ensure that you feel satiated, so make sure you’re having it at breakfast, lunch and dinner! If you’re not sure where to start, our Kickstarter program provides seven days’ worth of good-for-you-food that seriously satisfies.
Just b(eat) it…
Cravings normally pass within a few minutes, but if you genuinely are hungry and want something to nosh on, then mindful consumption is the way to go. There are always whole food options and smart swaps that you can make to ensure you’re doing your mind and bod a favour. Pass on the chips and sugary choccy – you’ll feel better for it.
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