The holidays are behind me and what remains is this pesky, growling stomach. Eating, eating, and overeating through December has left me with a seemingly insatiable need to eat constantly.
It just has to STOP.
In an attempt to put a halt on the insanity, I sifted through tons of ways to curb cravings after the holidays. Some ways were downright crazy and complicated, but I came up with a list of 14 ideas that seemed totally simple to incorporate into daily life:
1. Plan your meals. If you have a meal plan for the entire week prepared in advance, you will have more control over what you eat and be less tempted to order in or give into sodium-packed freezer meals.
2. Eat periodically. Schedule your meals and try to eat around the same time every day. Don’t skip meals, as this will make you hungrier and create more cravings. Eat three well-balanced, portion-controlled meals and two snacks daily.
3. Hydrate. First thing in the morning it’s important to drink plenty of water before getting your day started. This will help with digestion and make you feel full first thing in the morning. In many cases, the feeling of hunger is muddled with dehydration, so drink a tall glass of water before every meal to prevent overeating.
4. Journal your meals. Tracking what you eat is crucial. This easy tip helps you monitor your eating and calorie intake, and will prevent you from over-eating.
5. Don’t skimp on breakfast. There’s a reason it’s called the most important meal of the day. A substantial, filling breakfast is the best way to start your day and will keep you fueled throughout the day.
6. Get enough sleep. Being well rested will help keep your sugar levels intact and will reduce stress.
7. Never go to the grocery store hungry. Making a grocery store shopping list will help you stay focused on the meal plans. Sticking to your list will trump any urges you might have to pick up items you really don’t need. This tip will keep your pantry and fridge stocked with healthy, encouraging ingredients.
8. Switch to whole grains. Fiber-rich whole grains will make you feel fuller for longer. Be sure to swap your bread, pasta, and breakfast cereals for whole-grain varieties.
9. Gargle with mouthwash. Practicing dental hygiene throughout the day will promote a clean mouth. You won’t want to spoil a minty fresh mouth with unnecessary snacking.
10. Cut out processed foods. Processed foods, packed with sugar, sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavorings are extremely addictive and loaded with empty calories.
11. Eat lean proteins. Make sure you are eating lean proteins with most meals. This will fill you up and keep you energized throughout the day.
12. Ditch the soda. Soda will cause you to bloat, and the sugars will make you crash. If you are craving a flavored beverage, opt for lemon water, all-natural fruit juices, or herbal tea.
13. Eat your greens. Whether you’re blending them into morning smoothies or tossing them into salads, leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals that help suppress hunger. Make sure to incorporate a couple cups of greens into your daily diet.
14. Exercise regularly. If you stay active it will encourage you to continue with your clean eating plan and you will be less likely to give in to cravings.
Got any ideas for kicking cravings to the curb? Let me know in the comments!
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