Overcoming Cravings

Do you find yourself craving “bad foods” some days? Rest assured you are not alone with your cravings, and there is something you can do about it

1. Check your diet. If you begin to crave sugary foods or refined carbohydrates, think back to your last meal. Did you consume high glycemic foods (ie. white bread, sugary fruits, candy, etc.)? If the answer is yes, you may need to re-evaluate your diet. Eating complex carbohydrates, such as oats, brown rice, and vegetables, keep you satisfied because they digest more slowly than their high-glycemic counterparts. They also serve to keep your energy levels high while burning calories! Try eating them with protein every three hours to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

If you answered no the question…

2. Check your mood. When serotonin levels decrease (ie. the feel good chemical in our body), we tend to crave sugary or salty foods. Try going for a walk, reading your favorite book, or calling a friend for an instant mood-booster.

Another way to stay accountable is to write down your personal goals and look over it when you’re feeling anxious or blue. Having bad days are inevitable, so it’s best to be prepared for them!

P.S. If you are constantly craving sugar and/or refined carbohydrates, but your diet is “clean” and you aren’t PMS’ing, you may want to have your insulin levels checked by your doctor. Problems with your blood sugar and insulin can be the culprit behind overwhelming cravings, and they should be addressed by your primary doctor.