Coping with Cravings - 1

The last few blogs have dealt with cravings but here are some even more proactive things you can actually do to get your mind off cravings:

1. Distract yourself, especially if your craving is an emotional one and if it's about something you cannot possibly control. Set a timer and then if you still have the craving indulge if you must. But chances are if you wait it out and set a timer for 10-15 minutes your mind will be on something else by the time the timer goes off.

2. Just do something else, take a quick walk, read a good book, journal your feelings or calling a friend can help.

3. Try drinking more water or herbal teas in particular, because they actually contain things that are good for you and it won't be as likely to trigger insulin as artificial sweeteners in diet drinks may have.  (Incidentally it is easy to confuse hunger with thirst!)

4. Try chewing gum if you need to chew something. Be aware though, for some chewing gets the digestive juices flowing so know how this affects you personally.

5. Craving sugar or chocolate? Make a chocolate protein shake. You can also use sugar-free (use stevia to sweeten; it's from a plant source) protein hot chocolate in your blender, or make a fruit, water, and ice smoothie.  Another trick is to freeze a ready made protein shake, open the carton, and eat with a spoon. It takes a lot longer to eat, and you'll feel like you're eating ice cream!

More later!