Top five ways to curb cravings

Break free from pesky cravings with our top five ways to curb cravings

1)   Are you deficient?
First up consider whether you might be deficient in any key vitamins or minerals that lead you to crave certain types of foods. Check out our quick list of typical cravings and their associated deficiencies here.

2)  Drink more water
It sounds silly, but hunger pangs or cravings for certain foods can often be the result of simple thirst. Can’t get that choccy bar out of your mind? Pour yourself a large glass of water and make sure you polish it off before you even think about reaching for some food. You’ll often find that solves the problem.

3)   Are you eating enough?
If you’re still hungry after your lunch or dinner has settled, consider whether you’re eating enough. There’s not much point in eating miniscule portions in the name of good health if you go and eat a chocolate bar half an hour later. Fill your plenty with plenty of veggies to keep cravings at bay.

4)   Distract yourself
Often cravings can be put down to simple boredom. Instead of whiling your time away dreaming of that cupcake, why not get to to the gym for a quick workout. You’ll probably find that by the time you get home, those cravings are long gone.

5) Get the right stuff in
If biscuit cravings are hitting at 4pm everyday you may need to take a look at what’s on your brekkie and lunch plates. Eating processed foods can see your blood sugar levels set out on a rollercoaster ride, dipping around 4pm and leaving you craving those sweet treats. Try to eat a small portion of complex carbs (brown rice, quinoa, brown bread) with each meal to balance you bloody sugar.  And make sure you get enough protein at breakfast, lunch and dinner, this will keep you fuller for longer and kick those cravings to the curb.