Crush Your Cravings

8 Ways To Crush Your Cravings

When we ask our clients what they need to be successful, one of the most common responses is, “I need more willpower!”

Most of the time, they are looking for that extra energy to say “no” to delicious treats like cookies, cakes, crackers and chips. Unfortunately, when we rely mostly on willpower, we wet ourselves up to fail. Life ebbs and flows and those waves can cause some serious friction. How do we set our clients up for success to curb cravings? Here are 8 ways to tackle cravings without the sheer force of will. 

Add Protein, Fiber & Water: These foods are digested slowly, so they fill you up quickly and help you stay full for longer. They are lean sources of protein, fibrous vegetables and low sugar fruit.

Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened, 100% cocoa powder mixed in water has clinically been shown to decrease cravings and improve mood (plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants). 

Lemon Water: Lemon water can provide a refreshing departure from regular water and can help distract you from your cravings.

Tea: Enjoying a nice cup of tea can fill you up and occupy your mind.

Coffee: The chlorogenic acid in coffee can increase levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a gut hormone that acts to turn off hunger. 

Water-based vegetables (celery, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce): Oftentimes, cravings are behaviors, meaning we eat not because we’re hungry but because we are triggered by something in our environment or because it’s a particular time of day. These water-loaded, lower-calories foods can give us the chewing sensation without indulging in high-calorie, highly palatable foods. 

Branched-chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): These amino acids are excellent at stabilizing blood sugar and can affect brain chemistry associated with cravings. 

Add a Preload: If you are someone who gets cravings at the same time every day, try adding a small, protein-based meal or snack an hour before that time. For example, if you like to snack right before dinner, try a protein shake on the way home from work. 

Your Strategies

We’d love to know what your favorite strategies are to crush cravings! Share them in the comments. If you’re looking for a wellness reboot, join us for a retreat or check out our health coaching.