0 Ways To End Food Cravings

We really don't know why some people struggle with a powerful
sweet tooth and others don't. But there are a LOT of ways to
address it and manage it better.

Choose a few strategies from today's article to try and you
will make your journey to your ideal weight a lot easier.

For most of us, the problems start in childhood, when we are
rewarded with sweets for good behavior, setting up a lifetime
association between sugary treats, reward and celebration.

Cravings can be triggered by stress and hormonal changes as we
move into adulthood. Many people report problems starting in
adolescence.

Cravings can also be triggered by stress hormones such as
epinephrine and cortisol, which provide a quick energy boost.
Your body then responds to stress with a craving for sugar.

Research confirms this link. Chronic stress in lab rats
produces pleasure-seeking behavior, including eating sugary and
high fat foods.

There is nothing wrong with indulging in sweets once in awhile,
but if you are reaching for them several times per day, then it
wreaks havoc with your blood sugar levels and promotes weight
gain.

These spikes and dips affect your mood and are associated with
developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Here are some ideas to manage cravings:

1. Don't tell yourself you can't have it. You'll only set up
resistance. Many people have found a new sense of freedom by
resetting their appetite.

2. There are herbs and supplements that can curb sugar cravings
considerably. Check with your health food store to see what they
recommend.

While many can be used safely, you'll still need to break the
HABIT of reaching for food in stressful situations. It will be
easier to do if the physiological craving isn't there.

3. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can be used very
effectively to stop food cravings. While you CAN use EFT when
the craving strikes in the moment, I recommend that you learn
these techniques and use them as a regular practice. They can
help reduce anxiety and stressful responses in many situations.
It's just a great tool to have.

4. While many people try to beat sugar cravings with fruit, you
have to choose carefully. Some fruits, like pineapple and
watermelon are higher on the glycemic index. Berries, apples and
pears help keep blood sugar levels stable and also contain more
fiber.

5. Distract yourself. This strategy requires that you recognize
a craving coming on, and be willing to alter your behavior
immediately. If you take a 10-minute walk outside, for instance,
you'll be better able to resist the temptation or the craving
may have passed.

Even better – use EFT as you walk.

6. Be proactive about stress. We all have stress, and it will
definitely affect your health and wellbeing if it's not dealt
with effectively. Learn to meditate.

Any practice that calms you and relaxes you on a regular basis
can help keep the stress in check. Learn EFT, use deep breathing
exercises, yoga or progressive relaxation.

7. Include protein in your mid-afternoon snack. If you include
nuts, cheese or other lean proteins when the craving hits, you
can prevent dips in blood sugar.

8. Manage your energy level. Sugar cravings are often a thin
disguise for wanting to relieve fatigue and increase energy. The
paradox is that eating sugary treats only makes you more tired,
and we know it!

Regular exercise will give you more energy and ward off
cravings. It will often calm you down as well. I have never felt
a craving on my way out of the gym!

9. Manage your emotions. Cravings can also be triggered by a
desire to change your feelings. When the craving strikes, ask
yourself how you feel, and what you want the food to do for you.


If you aren't physiologically hungry, then the answer to that
question will often be – "change the way I feel."

10. Don't procrastinate. Our bodies can actually manufacture
cravings in an attempt to avoid something or to feel better.

How many times have you heard yourself say "well, I'll just go
get something to eat, and then I'll _______."

Sometimes we use food to psyche ourselves into doing something
we don't really want to do. In these instances, food is a bribe
more than a reward.

The fix – go ahead and DO whatever it is that you don't want to
do. Then reassess your appetite. You may find that the craving
has magically disappeared!


About The Author: Stop Food Cravings, Lose Weight, Stop
Overeating, and Stop Binge Eating. Get 4 "Sneaky Little Tricks"
Proven To Instantly Increase Your Weight Loss, go to:
http://www.StressEating.com. EFT for Weight Loss:
http://www.efttips.com http://www.LoseWeightWithEFT.com
http://www.EFTCDS.com