We have all been there, craving something sweet for an afternoon pick-me-up or an evening snack. Or, maybe you crave salty snacks throughout the day and finally give in, only to end up eating the entire bag of chips.
Once we start, it can be hard to stop. So, what is the best way to deal with the cravings that come up throughout the day?
Sleep
Get a good night's sleep. I know, you're thinking "um.....we're talking about food, not sleep", but it's all connected. Multiple studies show a strong connection between a poor night's sleep and poor food choices the next day. Lack of sleep can effect the hunger hormones ghrelin and leptin and cause us to feel hungrier and unsatisfied than we would after a good night of sleep.
Protein and Fat
Start your day off with protein and fat. You want to start your day off with the macronutrients that leave you feeling satisfied. High fat foods don't cause a release of insulin, which helps keep your blood sugar more stable throughout the day, leading you to not feel compelled to reach for snacks all day long. Protein also leaves you feeling fuller longer, and studies have shown that a high protein breakfast can reduce late night snacking and food cravings thoughout the day.
Distraction
Sometimes, we are just eating because we are bored or hanging around the house, reaching for a snack can become part of a daily habit. Going for a walk, calling a friend, or working on a project instead of binging on the bag of chips can be a big enough distraction for us and can lead to changed habits.
Before you reach for a snack, ask yourself, am I really hungry or just bored? Did I get a good night's sleep? Have I eaten enough protein and fat or am I living off carbohydrates alone? Once you determine what's really going on with your body, it can help you to make a more informed decision.
If you are struggling with always feeling hungry and not sure how to get yourself out of the viscous cycle of cravings, sign up for my Reboot! -Metabolism course. It's a 4-week course where you will learn how to not only burn sugar, but also fat for energy. In this course, you will tap into your stored fat, and in turn feel more satiated, have less food cravings, and lasting energy!
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