How To Handle Food Cravings

Food cravings, whether sweet or savoury, are super common and happen for many reasons. Sometimes, we just simply feel like eating that food, whilst other times it may be due to dehydration, a low food intake, your menstrual cycle or low energy levels.

But no need to stress, there are things you can do naturally to help beat those cravings and stick to your diet plan as best you can!

● Drink plenty of water – Thirst is often confused with hunger or food cravings.

● Eat more protein – Protein keeps you going and helps you feel satisfied for longer.

● Distance yourself from the craving – Try not to keep the foods you crave in the house.

● Craving salty foods – Try snacking on roasted chickpeas, popcorn or a small portion of nuts.

● Plan your meals – This way you have something ready to eat and don’t eat food that is out of your daily calorie goal.

● Avoid getting extremely hungry – Eat at regular times and have healthy snacks with you when you’re on the go.

● Fight stress – Stress may induce food cravings, so try to manage your stress. Make sure to take time out for yourself to do the things you enjoy.

● Get enough sleep – Lack of sleep increases cravings.

● Practice mindful eating – It teaches you to develop awareness of your eating habits, emotions, hunger, cravings and physical sensations.

● Still craving something specific – Eat an appropriate portion, then get back on track.

Cravings are bound to happen, but as long as your nutrition is on track most of the time, it will not affect your overall progress.

It is never good to suppress cravings as it might become more difficult to stay away from them in the future. So, teach yourself that it’s ok to have whatever it is you are craving in moderation and this will help you build sustainable habits moving forward.

If you would like to discuss your food cravings in more detail then please feel free to contact us today at David Jones Personal Training. You can also book in a free 15 min call with us if you need help with your nutrition, drop us an email at karl@davidjonespersonaltraining.co.uk.