eFitnessConnection

 

Fight off food cravings

Don't let life's pressures send you running to the vending machine.

 

Many women have a guilt-racked relationship with food cravings - those intense longings that have you running to the vending machine for a bag of Doritos. And it doesn't help that the reason is a subject of debate. Are they in response to certain nutrients requirements, such as sodium, or do these cravings result from a psychological need to feel better?

 

Chances are, food cravings are all in your head. We tend to have certain foods to satisfy emotional needs, such as calming stress and reducing anxiety. We long for certain foods because we remember how good they taste.

More likely, the foods that we look to for comfort typically contain fat, sugar or both, and that explains why you are more apt to splurge on chocolate cake than carrot and celery sticks. Whatever the reasons you pine for foods when you are feeling down, you can keep what you eat in check with these simple rules.

Break the food/mood connection. Years of seeking solace from food intensifies cravings when you are stressed out. Keep a "food and mood" log to get to the bottom of what lures you to the office candy dish or the vending machine at 3 p.m.

Have a plan in place. Once you figure out your emotional triggers, make a list of activities to take your mind off of food when cravings hit. For instance, read for a few minutes, take a short walk or call a friend to vent.

Don't deprive yourself. Skipping meals sets you up for emotional lows that spur food cravings. Follow a balanced eating regimen with regular, protein-packed meals and snacks.

Lose the temptations. Purge your kitchen and desk of tempting foods to lower the likelihood of giving in.

 

 

 

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