How to banish “those” cravings?
I don’t really wish to admit to naughty cravings but I don’t think it will come as much surprise to most women.
Lily recently had an article published recently in London’s online Daily Mail and I found her tips and tricks hugely helpful, especially the “almond” one. What I like most about Lily’s advice is it is not only practical but also easy to follow.
Here is what she says about “those” cravings,
No matter how strong our willpower, cravings can be all consuming. Cravings spell trouble for many people, particularly women. Like an invisible force, they can cause us to stop at nothing, until we fulfil our demands for that hunk of bread or sugary pastry.
Whilst carbohydrates are part of a healthy diet, overconsumption can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, fatigue and high triglycerides and can even lower our health HDL cholesterol.
8 Ways To Banish Those Cravings
Pack in the protein
Protein is key to balancing blood sugar, which is essential for suppressing carb and sugar cravings.
Eat more lean meats, fish, nuts and seeds, tofu, tempeh, avocado, cold-pressed oils, such as coconut oil, beans and pulses, natural yoghurt, eggs, nut and seed butters.
Spend an extra hour in bed
Studies have shown that a lack of sleep may cause us to eat 300-400 more calories the next day. And in order to keep energy levels high we tend to choose sugary or starchy quick fixes.
Just one extra hour of sleep each night can increase leptin, the hormone that suppresses appetite.
Indulge in life, not carbs
Carbohydrates and sugars are often termed ‘comfort foods’ as they stimulate the release of happy neurotransmitters such as endorphins and dopamine. Unfortunately they only give us a temporary quick fix, and may stimulate further cravings.
Don’t use food to change your mood, instead use life pleasures – have a bath, get a massage, laugh with a friend or watch your favourite film.
A teaspoon of cinnamon a day keeps the carb cravings away
Cinnamon helps to keep our blood sugar levels balanced, this minimizes insulin spikes after meals, which can lead to hunger and further carbohydrate cravings. Choose healthy fats such as cold-pressed coconut oil and sprinkle it with cinnamon
Try sprinkling cinnamon onto food, or sipping on cinnamon tea.
Manage stress
Excess cortisol is released when under chronic stress, which in turn stimulates cravings for sugar and carbohydrates.
Manage stress with mindfulness, yoga and exercise.
Up your chromium intake
Chromium is a mineral needed for keeping blood sugar levels stable. Evidence suggests that supplementation with chromium picolinate can help to reduce sugar and carbohydrate cravings.
Replace carbs with healthy fats
Fat suppresses appetite, fat isn’t addictive and fat balances blood sugar, which is essential to reduce carbohydrate cravings.
Choose healthy fats such as nuts and seeds, avocado, oily fish and cold-pressed oils.
Snack on a handful of almonds a day
Almonds are rich in protein and healthy fats, giving you the energy boost you need whilst balancing blood sugar. This snack is exactly what we need to prevent carbohydrate and sugar cravings.
how to banish “those” cravings by lily soutter
Lily Soutter is a Nutritionist & Nutritional Therapist
Learn more about Lily @lilysoutternutrition.com
images wayne thiebaud in collaboration with the stylist jenny wichman
