Ten Diet-Friendly Tips To Stave Off Your Cravings

Maybe you’ve just gotten home from a stressful day at work. Or you’re burning the midnight oil, and need something to keep you alert. Maybe you’re just plain hungry, or jonesin’ for something sweet or salty. Here are ten things to do that will hopefully make your craving history.

1) Hydrate. Sometimes when our bodies think we’re hungry, we’re actually dehydrated. Drink a glass of water and see if you still want to eat something.

2) Read a book. The average American reads for only about 20 minutes per day, but spends over five times that amount watching television. Feed your brain instead of your craving, and use the distraction to avoid overeating.

3) Meditate. Are you truly hungry or just stressed out? Try meditation to calm your body and deal with your problems pro-actively.

4) Quick cardio. If it’s daylight, go for a quick jog – just a couple of minutes running or a brief walk can do the trick. Get your heart rate up and the endorphins will flow, leaving you happier and probably satiated as well.

5) Brush your teeth. If you mentally know that you’ve had enough calories/meals for the day, brush your teeth and be done with it. It takes more effort to eat after your teeth have that minty-fresh feel, and will give you less pleasure because of the toothpaste aftertaste, so brush ‘em and skip the indulgence.

6) Play a game. Sharpen your mind with a game of chess or Scrabble. If you don’t have a live opponent, get a virtual one.

7) Write. Write down what you are craving and why you suspect you are craving it. For example, you may be craving a huge piece of chocolate cake after missing an important deadline at work or having a disagreement with your significant other. When you write down the emotional triggers of your cravings, you can learn to have better control and more power over them.

8) Cold shower. It doesn’t necessarily have to be cold, or a shower. But relax by taking a soothing bath or a refreshing shower.

9) Music. Put on some tunes, and dance around if you have to. You might feel silly at first, but eventually you’ll feel alive and energized, and won’t be so desperately craving a snack.

10) Plan. Being organized and having a detailed plan always helps accomplish your goal. If you’re feeling the urge to break your diet, write out a list of allowed foods and when you will eat your remaining meals throughout the day. Also, jot down your goals you want to accomplish – tasks for work, errands, workout, etc. Make a plan for achieving them and make it happen – knowing what’s coming next helps you feel more in control.