What do you do to overcome the cravings that occur throughout the day? For many people, cravings are a big deal because they are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The reality is that it’s not always easy to avoid it. Thinking of giving you some help, we have prepared a list of distractions and suggestions that will allow you to successfully defeat cravings. Try them all until you find the ones that work best for you, and take advantage of their benefits when you need to.
1. Go for a walk to beat cravings
The first trick to defeat cravings is to give yourself time to think about other things. Also, it’s normal for cravings to appear when you’re tired, stressed, or anxious, and walking will help you:
- Clarify your ideas.
- Improve your mood.
- Increase your energy levels.
- Lose weight if the walks are constant and last at least 30 minutes.
To reduce cravings, right walk about 15 minutes. Also, if you prefer, go accompanied. This will allow you to share your ideas and strengthen your interpersonal relationships.
It’s important to stay hydrated before and after walking to prevent dehydration from making you feel hungry.
2. Take a deep breath or meditate
Another strategy to beat stress cravings is to meditate or take breaths that allow you to relax.
All you need is:
- Find a quiet place where you can spend a few minutes without being disturbed.
- Inhale as deeply as possible for a count of four.
- Hold your breath for eight seconds.
- Slowly release the air and repeat four more times.
You will see that after a couple of repetitions you will feel much better. Anyway, finish all 4 sets to ensure you release any stress or tension. If you prefer, you can accompany the breathing exercise with relaxing music.
3. Have a healthy snack
Trying to beat the craving for something sweet? Maybe you like something more crunchy and salty? Likewise, if you’ve gone several hours without eating, the craving may be justified.
If you can’t eat right now, stop cravings with something healthy. When you crave something sweet, opt for peanuts or a portion of fruit. If you crave more of a crunch, eat peanuts, almonds or walnuts.
The consumption of nuts is beneficial for the body. They contain omega 3 fatty acids that help take care of cardiovascular health, according to a study published in the journal Annual review of food science and technology. In any case, do not eat more than a handful per serving, they are highly caloric and could upset the energy balance.
If you’ve noticed that cravings appear at the same time of day, get ready to fight them by carrying healthy snacks. A good option is to anticipate the craving by a few minutes and eat the snack. You will see that this way you avoid it altogether.
4. Drink a glass of water
When your mind is very busy, it may feel tired and your body reacts by asking for something unhealthy. Therefore, a good strategy to overcome cravings is to drink a glass of water.
This will allow your brain to rehydrate and give you a chance to distract yourself. what kept you busy.
It is also important that the water is natural to avoid sugar, caffeine and other chemicals. If desired and possible, add ice to the water. If you want something flavored, add some fresh lemon juice.
5. Play a little game on your phone
It has been proven that playing a video game, like Tetris or any puzzle game, helps to overcome cravings. The easiest option is to download one of these games to your mobile phone and take it with you.
More or less, three minutes equals one play, so it’s a perfect time. Just remember not to get too lost in games and keep up with your activities to avoid stressful moments due to excessive distractions.
In case you don’t have a game on your phone, choose to scribble or scribbles. You will notice that the effect of these relaxing designs is immediate.
6. Talk to someone
Also, another option to overcome cravings and distraction is to talk. Take a few minutes to chat with your colleague or make a quick phone call to yours couple.
Defeat cravings to improve health
We already know that consuming sweets can worsen your health. The last one Education published in the scientific literature affirm this. For this reason, you should try the advice we have proposed to overcome cravings and thus avoid eating low-quality food.
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