Cravings and Your Diet

Hi there,

Do you have the munchies?  Those nightly cravings that play havoc with your diet. 

You are trying to lose a little weight and you seem to do okay through the daytime hours, but then you go home and relax. 

You also relax your discipline and that is when the cravings come out. 

Part of this is just because of where you are.  You probably have cravings throughout the day, but you can't act upon them. 

If you are in a meeting, you can't very well get up and leave to get a candy bar.  If you are stuck in freeway traffic, you can't just get out of your car and go searching for some chips. 

So you put that craving out of your mind.  But, once you are at home, the cravings come to the forefront and you don't have the excuse of a meeting or being in traffic to stop you from caving in to the craving. 

So there goes your diet out the window. 

Unless, you try some of these tricks.  First, go do something else.  It doesn't matter.  The thing about cravings is that they are almost always temporary.   They don't last long and even the cravings get distracted easily. 

So when an urge pops up, go do something else.  Go for a walk, talk a shower, call someone on the phone, do some cleaning.  Your urge will go away. 

Start your day with a healthy breakfast or at least some type of protein.  If you are not used to eating breakfast or don't like to, don't force yourself to.  Try adding a protein drink to start the day though. 

You can even buy protein powders at Walmart.  Just mix one up every morning - or the night before - with water or milk and you have something your body can live on for the next few hours.

I usually make up a 1 liter drink and sip it throughout the day.  It usually lasts about 1 1/2 days.  You can do the same. 

Eat most of your carbs throughout the daytime hours.  And make most of your carbs low glycemic.  Use whole wheat products if you are going to eat sandwiches.  Hold the mayo. 

In the evening eat a higher protein dish with some vegetables. 

If you still have a craving then try some cacao or cocoa - over 85% is best.  I also have some nuts and/or dried fruit - just a small handful for a late night snack.

There is a time for high glycemic carbs though and that is after your workout.  Eat some fruit and have a protein drink.  That will quickly supply your body with the nutrients it needs right after your workout. 

Those tips should help your diet and keep the cravings at bay.

Thanks,

Mike Val
http://www.valshealthsite.com/