Do These 5 Things When You’re Having Bad Cravings
I don’t know about you, but I am basically CONSTANTLY arguing with my inner fat girl to put the churro down and eat some damn vegetables. It’s a never-ending battle! I have, however, determined 5 things that have helped me avoid bad craving foods 9 times outa 10 and I’d like to share them with you now!.
#1 Get Rid of It
The first step is the simplest step but possibly the most
neglected one as well. It’s time to rip off the band aid.
TRASH IT.
If you spent your hard-earned money on this food even though
you are fully aware it provides no vital nutrients and just temporarily fills
an emotional void then you can sure as heck throw it in the trash. Go on and do
it, I’ll wait…
…
Okay, now use that money next paycheck on food that will
FUEL your body or even supplements if you feel you’re not meeting the macros
with just the food you consume daily. Here’s the one’s I use! [click here]
Another lil’ tip I have to keep in mind because I personally
have an extremist mentality is to keep a small treat for yourself tucked away,
out of sight.
Out of sight – out of mind!
I do this so that when I have a hankering craving I can curb
it slightly on the spot so it doesn’t build up and cause me to fall off my
routine for multiple days.
Again though, this is just
me, but, if I don’t allow moderate indulgence I go overboard. I began planning
my cheat day for one time a week and I attempt to stay on a clean eating
routine 6/7 days leading up to that one.
#2 Be Prepared
To my understanding, being “healthy” is looked upon as
expensive and I thought the same way before I started doing so myself. I get
into this more in “How I Save Money Losing Weight”.
I have since discovered that they key is PREPERATION.
Start with budgeting your grocery trips, whether they be
weekly or every other day - whatever floats your boat.
Don’t budget for bad foods! It’s okay to sneak in that cheat
treat that’ll be hidden in the back of your pantry for special occasion but try
not to allow yourself to spend money elsewhere like at fast food or greasy
takeout.
Disciplining yourself
may seem daunting and miserable at first but it truly does get easier as time
goes on and your body starts operating at far better capacity because you’re
fueling it properly instead of mindlessly eating out of convenience or
pleasure.
Meal prep is always an amazing idea but if you get tired of
that or have no idea what the heck to make then you’ve got to do your research.
You can either plan on making a whopping 3-4 day portion at once or buy your
food and store the ingredients separately according to the day.
The biggest game changer for me when it comes to controlling
unexpected cravings has been ALWAYS having snacks on deck. Whether you’re simply
driving down the street to pick up milk from the store or journeying out of
town on a road trip it is vital to have the munchies ready.
When you’re driving past the 17 fast food joints on your way
to run that quick errand where you have zero intentions of stopping for a bite
to eat it’s very possible your inner fat girl/ boy could win the battle if you
don’t have any snacks by your side!
Plus, as a mom to a curious & chubby toddler whose teeth
are comin’ in hot I appreciate constantly having something for him to nibble on
as well. I’m sure all you parents out there can relate.
#3 Ask Yourself Why
So, you want to start eating better huh? That’s awesome and
there’s endless benefits to avoiding bad foods. Why did you make this decision
though?
Is it because everyone around you tries to do it so you want
to too?
Are you trying to drop a few pounds or clear up your skin?
Or maybe you just had a kid and you realize that your
household and child’s eating habits will be a reflection of yours.
Pinpoint the real reason “why”. It’s more important than you
think so really sit down and take the time to think and jot your thoughts down
on paper.
Now, Remind yourself of this “why”, every single day because
it’s your incentive and motivation. It should keep you going when you want to
quit.
#4 Find an Alternative
This one kind of goes hand in hand with step #2 about being
prepared. However, it’s also about expanding your mind to new options that
maybe you would’ve never tried before.
90% of the time that thing you’re craving so badly has an
almost identical tasting + healthier alternative. Do some more research and buy
the ingredients or snacks that fit your liking and try to curb your craving
that way.
Also, sore subject: I’m calling myself out here and
admitting that I “bored eat”. Sometimes when I have nothing better to do I start
thinking of all the foods I could be eating and annoyingly enough there’s no
salads or healthy foods in my daydream there’s only the bad cravings I try to
avoid! Then I cave, and I feel guilt…
To combat that from happening I found alternative activities
to eating which give me as much fulfillment in a different way. For instance,
going for a bike ride, or placing my favorite video game has worked when I force
myself to give it a chance.
Try to find something to do that preoccupies not only your
mind but your hands too because just sitting watching tv or something leaves
your hands empty thus making munchin’ on popcorn and chips a lot harder to deny.
#5 Self Evaluation
Every time I try to rationalize why giving into my bad
cravings is okay I force myself to answer 3 questions to make my final
decision.
1.
Is the momentary bliss while chewing this food
going to be worth messing up my progress and deteriorating my self-confidence
and discipline?
If this answer is no that’s already a bad sign.
2.
Am I eating this food to fuel my body and help
it operate at its best level or am I eating because I want instant
gratification and am not thinking about the negative effects it’ll have on my
body?
If you answered no to this one too then you know you shouldn’t
be eating that ish!
3.
Is there something else I have access to eat
right now that is healthier than the food I am currently craving?
If this one is a yes then you better erase that idea from
your mind and go get that healthier alternative!
It really is just that simple but oh so difficult to eat
healthy.
As you continue on your journey of maintaining healthier
habits and proper nutrition try to keep these 5 tips in mind and I hope they
truly add value to your life from here on out.
The most important thing is to stay consistent in practicing
discipline and using moderation to your best ability despite the times you feel
like throwing in the towel. Maybe you already feel like you let yourself down
and now you’re stuck with morning after bloating and regret, nonetheless, today
is a new day, it’s not a competition so you can’t fail. Brush it off and get
back to your routine right now because it takes 30 days to form a habit and 90
days to form a lifestyle.
Keep at it. We got this!