Tips for Fighting Back Cravings

Are you having a difficult time fending off your cravings?  Resisting cravings can be one of the most difficult aspects of dieting or simply eating healthy.  Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use to help you get past those cravings and stick with your diet plan.

Drink Plenty of Water

You should already be striving to drink plenty of water every day, as water helps cleanse your body and prevent dehydration.  Another perk to drinking water throughout the day is that it helps make your body feel full, which can help prevent you from overindulging on your favorite treats or may help you resist the temptation altogether.

Eat Something Else

If you are carving a certain food, try to find a healthier alternative that will help satisfy your craving.  If you are craving chips, for example, try eating fresh vegetables instead.  The crisp vegetables may satisfy your urge to eat something crunchy.  If you want chocolate, look for a low-fat option such as chocolate flavored rice cakes instead.

Get Your Mind Off Your Cravings

When you feel a craving coming on, try to find something else to do in order to help get your mind off of the craving.  Read a book, work on one of your favorite hobbies or exercise rather than grabbing that sweet or salty snack you are craving.

Keep Temptation Away

You can give yourself a better chance of resisting your craving if you keep those tempting treats out of your house.  Stop buying chocolate, chips, soda or whatever your weakness is so you will be less likely to eat them.  After all, if you have to run to the store each time you have a craving, it might provide you plenty of time to get past your craving.

Eat Small Portions

If you have a favorite treat that you just cannot completely cut out of your diet, focus on eating it in moderation.  Eating small amounts of your favorite treats on a periodic basis is better than completely cutting it out and then binging on it later.