Tufts University did a study and found that 91% of women experience cravings. So you see, you are not alone in your desire for chocolate.
I can sit here and say, "just don't eat it," but at the end of the day maybe it would be better to create some kind of game plan to help deal with the craving. After all, your brain is searching for something to make it feel good, and most likely will continue to push you until you find that release. So here's what I propose:
- One of the biggest reasons we have cravings is we are not eating enough calories throughout the day. Restrained eaters usually consume less than 1,000 calories a day and inevitably leave out some food group that's needed to make up a complete diet. To top it off, they usually aren't thinner than those who have a regular caloric intake.
Nutritionists will tell you that calorie restriction will often lead to binge eating, or over eating the wrong foods, when given the chance. Avoid this situation by eating a healthy and balanced diet. If you get cravings, have a bite of something or a few pieces, rather than the entire bag. Go for the real deal and avoid fat-free or imitation versions. - People grab comforting food to alleviate stress. If you notice yourself going for the yummies at a stressful moment, create an emergency door. Get on the phone and call a friend if you need to vent.
If you're not having personal stress, then just go exercise and get those positive hormones flowing. Music, friends, and exercise are all great ways to wait out the craving until it passes. - Not getting enough sleep? University of Chicago did a study that found that a few sleepless nights raised your appetite trigger (ghrelin) by about 30%. I'm not that big on caffeine, but when you find yourself reaching for the food because you are exhausted, get yourself a green tea or coffee without all the whipped cream and sugar. Granted, it's not a solution for a good nights rest, but it will be better than going for high calorie foods.
- A lot of us will grab snacks just out of habit. For some people, every time they watch TV they will have a customary snack to go with it. For others it may be sweets after dinner. Bob Maurer, Ph.D., of One Small Step Can Change Your Life, suggests "the stop technique." When you reach for food, say "STOP," and picture yourself lean and fit.
Other ways to break your eating habit are to avoid being around a lot of snacks during times when you want food, and change your focus to something other than food, like doing laundry, reading, listening to music or dancing.
Most of us have cravings, especially in times of stress, but there are ways to lessen the impact of them on our waistlines.
