How to Stop Food Cravings

Have you ever had food cravings that are so strong that you cannot help but reach for your favorites and eat them? Surveys show that almost 100% of the women and 70% of men have had food cravings in the past year. This pretty much covers most of us! Your food cravings may also revolve around your moods, what’s happening with your life. Indulging in cravings can lead to overeating and consuming more calories than necessary. 

Here are some tips that can help you when you are craving those unhealthy calories:

• Listen to music
• Exercise such as taking a walk or bike ride
• Reading a book
• Use positive self-talk
• Any fun activity that will help distract you
• Meditate

We wanted to share some pearls of wisdom by renowned teachers and thought leaders about food cravings:

Read: Deepak Chopra on Mindful Eating

Video: Oprah and Eckhart Tolle Explain How to Eat Consciously

Video: Sadhguru on Healthy Food and Proper Diet, How Does One Decide?

Video: Jay Shetty: Self Control – The Greatest Power

We can also remind ourselves of the consequences that succumbing to the food cravings will have. You may feel tired and lethargic afterwards or it will validate your mood swings. We all have food cravings at times but we should learn to recognize the difference between craving and hunger. 

Craving foods tend to include chocolate, sweets, fatty foods and are more of an instant gratification. You eat well and then feel guilty afterwards. It may also occur for women during their menstrual cycles or during pregnancy. Especially when you’re on a diet, your cravings will increase but if you let it pass, it will pass with time. 

Hunger occurs when you have not eaten for a while and you may feel headache or tired or rumbling of the stomach. Any healthy snack or food will satisfy this and you don’t usually crave for a particular type of food. Learning to recognize the difference between craving and hunger will keep you feeling good, active and healthy.