How to STOP and Instantly Control Your Food Cravings
"Food Cravings, Stop Food Cravings, Food Triggers and Controlling Food Cravings"
By Tony Ostian, Health and Fitness Director
There are many FOOD TRIGGERS that influence people’s lives. Some are visual, some are nutritional, and some are emotional.
And guess what?
Television has the greatest influence on food triggers and cravings – hands down.
Did you know that there are as many as 2 to 3 television sets per household?
That’s right.
It’s no wonder that a quick flash of McDonald’s fries and a yummy shake across the screen is enough to get anyone’s
food cravings going.
Obviously, this is an example of a visual food trigger.
So what happens next?
Well, the stomach begins secreting digestive juices, which in turn
signals the taste buds. And it’s at this point that people usually go
into the kitchen looking for that special something. With that in mind .
. .
Here are a few steps you can take to put a stop to the teasing you get from
television:
- Make a rule . . . no eating in front of the television.
- Keep your hands and mind busy. Write a letter to an old friend or put a puzzle together with your kids.
- Have a healthy snack at the table before turning the television on.
- Don’t turn the television on until after dinner.
- Become active and join a group activity.
- Keep a food journal. Be aware of your mood and whether or not you’re actually hungry when you go into the kitchen.
- Drink a glass of water. Thirst is often times confused for hunger.
Over time food has become a crutch for many people because they use food as a reward for positive behavior
. . . OR . . . as a means to improve negative feelings.
The bottom line is that food isn’t being used for what it’s intended to do – and that is to fuel the body.
And a body lacking in certain nutrients can prompt the immediate sensation to satisfy a
food craving.
A good example would be a lack of complex carbohydrates. You may feel sluggish or you have uncontrollable food cravings that prompt you to eat sweets or foods high in fats.
Here’s something else you should know.
Trigger-eating habits can stem from feelings of loneliness, depression, anger, and even boredom.
Here are 5 proven ways to control those "food trigger" eating habits:
- Realization. Take a minute to ask yourself why you really want to eat.
- Chew sugarless gum. It will keep your mouth and your taste buds busy.
- Do some type of physical activity. Play with the kids, clean the house, or go for a walk.
- Have a glass of water or hot herbal tea. This can help calm anxious feelings.
- Eat well-balanced meals consistently. Providing the body with its nutritional needs will keep it satisfied.
Above all – be patient and listen to your body.
Because once you identify your food triggers, controlling food cravings will become a much easier task.
