Cravings.

Question

How do you manage your cravings? Right now, I'd like to eat an entire chocolate bar, but know that I shouldn't. What do you snack on when you want something you know you shouldn't be eating to help satisfy hunger and those cravings.

Anonymous · Answer

I'm not a nutritionist, but if I'm craving something I'll typically do some research to see what my body is telling me. If I'm craving salt, I probably genuinely need salt. If I'm craving sweets or feel starved it's usually a sign that I'm not having enough healthy fats. That being said, sometimes you just need to let yourself have a chocolate bar - sans guilt!

Anonymous · Answer

I have started keeping nuts/almonds in my bag... salty/sweet helps with most cravings and I feel like I'm at least getting some protein and healthy fats, even if there's some sugar. Plus, they do a good job of squashing my appetite.

Anonymous · Answer

If I know I shouldn’t be hungry at that time and just want junk food/sweets, sometimes I’ll just go and brush my teeth instead.

Courtney Klein · Answer

I like all the comments above and might start implementing some! Personally, I generally feel like I just want taste, so I'll make coffee or tea instead (I don't take either with milk or sugar, so...). I also keep 'emergency cookies' in my desk for when I REALLY need something, usually to help improve my mood. I found some great whiskey and rye chocolate chip cookies that are low cal, high protein, and won't completely throw off my whole day.

A point about the 'what does this craving mean,' though - There's a lot to be said for that mentality. If you want something really specific, maybe just go in on it. It does often mean you're lacking something.

Gillian Armstrong · Answer

I also like the idea of savoring it-- mindful eating.

Cravings usually hit me in the afternoon at work when my willpower is lagging. I get up, go for a walk, and find some protein to eat (hamburger, egg sandwich, nuts) and a lot of water to drink. This seems to fill me up enough that I don't feel like eating any more. Sometimes a strong, flavorful cup of chai (half milk, but little to no sugar) does the same.

Anonymous · Answer

If you want a piece of chocolate, have a piece of chocolate. But savor it. Slow down, take your time. Concentrate on each bite. Is the chocolate bitter? Sweet? Are there notes of fruit, or darker spices? If you have one with caramel or nuts or salt or other additions, does the second bite have more, or less? Is the caramel chewy, or runny? Does putting the salted side directly on the tongue change how it tastes?

We deny cravings, then inhale an entire chocolate bar and don't actually taste it, so are still unsatisfied. So have the chocolate. Slowly. I'll bet if you take time to enjoy each bite individually, you will find that you don't need the whole bar to satisfy the craving.

Cravings.

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