Take Action to Prevent Food Cravings

What causes food cravings and how can I curb them?
A craving can be defined as an intense desire for a particular thing; in this case, food. There are many possible reasons why cravings develop. Thankfully, there are also some helpful solutions!
Here are some Reasons/problems why foodcravings creep in! And, Solutions on how to curb the craving:

Problem: Irregular eating or missed meals and snacks can create a feeling of intense hunger

Solution: Eat healthy low-glycemic meals and snacks regularly throughout the day. Don’t go longer than 3 hrs without a meal or snack. Drops in blood sugar bring on hunger and cravings.

Problem: Avoiding your favourite foods for a long period of time can make you succumb to a craving and over-indulge

Solution: Avoid ‘all or none’ thinking and allow yourself to enjoy your favourite craving on occasion and in moderation. Having foods nearby that are commonly associated with cravings (like chocolate or chips) can make you want them more Keep less healthy ‘craved’ foods ‘out of sight’ and therefore ‘out of mind’; set yourself up for success by keeping your fridge and cupboards stocked with easy and healthy snack options like fresh fruit, yogurt, cheese, a glass of milk or raw vegetables with hummus.

Problem: Eating in response to emotions versus hunger; whether it be a ‘bad day’, celebration or other emotional cue, often times we eat in response to our emotions.

Solution: If you must ‘eat’ something, reach for a small healthy snack; or even better, distract yourself and turn to a non-food related activity like going for a walk to reduce stress.

To help prevent cravings, try to find out what is really causing them and look at changing those factors. If you still end up needing to satisfy a craving, take the following steps:
1. Find out why you're hungry. Are you eating in response to an emotion such as anger or frustration? If so, try to remember that eating likely won't fill the "hunger" void you're feeling. Instead, try listening to your favourite feel-good song, calling an old friend or getting some physical activity or fresh air.
2. If it is true hunger, ask yourself why. Did you miss a meal? Is it time for a healthy snack? Try to eat something nutritious first. If you are still craving more, try to identify exactly what will satisfy the craving. Think about whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy, savoury, hot or cold. This strategy might help to address your craving better the next time.
3. Pour yourself a glass of water first. This may reduce the craving, since sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger.
4. Allow yourself to indulge in a craving once in a while without feeling guilty. There's nothing wrong with the occasional treat. At the same time, make it harder to get at your favourite treats by managing your environment and not stocking your house or workplace with foods you're likely to overeat. This will help set you up for success.
5. Comfort yourself without food. Try going for a walk, taking a bath, getting some fresh air, reading a book, doing a hobby or calling a friend. Keeping physically active is one of the best ways to lessen cravings and boost your mood.