Instant Alert: 11 ways to fight food cravings

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   11 ways to fight food cravings by Adda Bjarnadottir on Jan 31, 2016, 2:36 PM Advertisement Food cravings are the dieter’s worst enemy. These are intense or uncontrollable desires for specific foods, stronger than normal hunger. The types of foods that people crave are highly variable, but these are often processed junk foods that are high in sugar. Cravings are one of the biggest reasons why people have problems losing weight and keeping it off. Here are 11 simple ways to prevent or stop unhealthy food and sugar cravings.             SEE ALSO: These are the foods a food-poisoning attorney refuses to eat 1. Drink Water Thirst is often confused with hunger or food cravings. If you feel a sudden urge for a specific food, try drinking a large glass of water and wait a few minutes. You may find that the craving fades away, because your body was actually just thirsty. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water may have many health benefits. In middle-aged and older people, drinking water before meals can reduce appetite and help with weight loss (1, 2, 3). Bottom Line: Drinking water before meals may reduce cravings and appetite, as well as help with weight loss. 2. Eat More Protein Eating more protein may reduce your appetite and keep you from overeating. It also reduces cravings, and helps you feel full and satisfied for longer (4). One study of overweight teenage girls showed that eating a high-protein breakfast reduced cravings significantly (5). Another study in overweight men showed that increasing protein intake to 25% ofcalories reduced cravings by 60%. Additionally, the desire to snack at night was reduced by 50% (6). Bottom Line: Increasing protein intake may reduce cravings by up to 60% and cut the desire to snack at night by 50%. 3. Distance Yourself From the Craving When you feel a craving, try to distance yourself from it. For example, you can take a brisk walk or a shower to shift your mind onto something else. A change in thought and environment may help stop the craving. Some studies have also shown that chewing gum can help reduce appetite and cravings (7, 8). Bottom Line: Try to distance yourself from the craving by chewing gum, going on a walk or taking a shower. See the rest of the story at Business Insider   Share the latest business news with your network: Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011