Medicine Bariatrics

Weight loss and eating Food Cravings

Do you often indulge in cravings, ultimately undermining your efforts to lose weight or maintain healthy eating habits? Before grabbing those runaway donuts or chips, read this article and learn how to easily overcome those cravings using a few simple strategies :

•  Everyone no matter how disciplined their diet, will suffer from cravings for this or that food from time to time. For people trying to lose weight, that craving is even more difficult than for someone just maintaining their weight, Whether you're trying to lose weight or not, cravings may be the only thing that causes you to break out of your normal eating habits and overindulge in the calories you normally want to avoid.

• Most people know that the key to maintaining good health is being physically active and eating a healthy, low-fat diet, but with so many busy schedules these days it's sometimes easier to say yes, eat well, and exercise to drive than to do it.  The best way to protect yourself from a food disaster when you have those cravings all day is to plan and use a little strategy.

•  First, try to plan 5 to 6 small meals, including one every 3 hours throughout the day, and try no complete all of them. The human body takes an average of 2.5 hours to digest a meal. So when you start feeling hungry, it's almost time for your next meal

• Very often, feeling hungry between meals is your body's attempt to signal thirst. By carrying a bottle of water with you throughout the day and trying to sip it continuously throughout the day, you'll stay hydrated, feel better, and eliminate a common cause of hunger pangs

• When you are at home, always try to have fresh fruit on hand, If you feel like it, fruit is a better choice than cake or fries. Also, make a non-fat salsa and chop fresh veggies like carrots and celery and refrigerate, This gives you another quick and healthy snack that you can grab and eat when you're hungry.

• Never go to a party,  meeting, or other event with food on an empty stomach, This prepares you for the meal when you arrive. Always eat a small meal or healthy snack before you leave to help you not feel hungry.

• If there are snacks you like, don't try to skip them altogether, You only indulge when you can't control the urge to have them later, Plan these snacks out throughout the day and pack them to eat occasionally and in moderation when you do.

• Keep in mind that some foods aren't calorie-free just because they're fat-free. When switching to fat-free snacks, be mindful of the calorie content and adjust portions accordingly. It's very easy to assume that fat-free foods are "safe" and go overboard.

• The next time you have cravings, remember these little tips and you can tackle them without ruining your efforts to maintain healthy eating habits.