Let’s talk about cravings—because we’ve all been there.
It’s 2 p.m., and suddenly all you can think about are chocolate chip cookies (or for me, it’s Goldfish!). Or maybe you’re watching TV at night, and the ice cream in the freezer starts calling your name.
Cravings are super common, and they can be triggered by a lot of things:
- You’re actually hungry
- You’re stressed, lonely, or bored
- You’ve built a habit of snacking at certain times
- Your hunger hormones are out of whack from poor sleep or other factors
- Your body is low on certain nutrients
Enjoying a treat now and then is totally fine—in fact, I encourage it! But when it becomes a daily habit, it can start getting in the way of your goals.
Here are 5 simple ways to take back control of cravings:
- Plan ahead. Keep healthier options on hand—fruit, veggies, nuts, or protein-based snacks. (You know this, but are you actually doing it?)
- Hide the triggers. If certain foods bring on cravings, keep them out of sight. If they’re in front of you, they’re way harder to resist.
- Eat it. Yep, you read that right. Enjoying your favorite snack once in a while prevents it from becoming a “forbidden food” that leads to stronger cravings.
- Practice mindful eating. When you indulge, make it an intentional experience. Put your phone down, turn off the TV, and really taste the food. Savoring it can actually help you feel satisfied with less.
- Identify the real reason. Are you eating because you’re hungry—or because you’re stressed, bored, or just want a distraction? Checking in with yourself before you snack can help you make a more mindful choice.
Habits can be changed—it just takes time. Start small, be consistent, and remember that you’re in control!
Need some help? That’s what we do at ACF! Let’s jump on a call and see how we can help steer you in the right direction!