Eat the Food You Love Under Control
Everybody loves food (for the most part)…and over the years, the necessity to eat has evolved into the luxury of eating exactly what we want at almost any time of the day. Although many of us have this luxury, it’s not all positive…actually there are a lot of negatives associated with having the food we crave all at an arm’s reach away.
Having said this, food cravings have not only evolved in society but also taken over to the point where maintaining a healthy weight is a daily struggle; this is due in part to our bodies craving the stuff that isn’t needed…only wanted. So how do we overcome here? I’ll say this: balance is everything…and so is moderation; if you’re being smart about portions and timing, the “what” becomes all that less important.
So why do we even have food cravings? What sets the trigger off?
1. Our Internal Clock Cues
Times and moments throughout the day can be an instant trigger for when and what to eat. For example, if you normally have something sweet during lunch, your body learns to trigger that craving during the early afternoon.
2. Stress, Boredom, Anger
aren’t hungry, having some ice cream will definitely taste awesome and make life worth living again right?All of the above emotions give way for cravings to come pounding on our stomach’s doors. Even though we Kinda…carbs, starch, and sugar all increase the serotonin chemical in the brain, which helps mood improvement. In any case, you can increase serotonin in other healthier ways such as exercise to avoid this.
3. Visuals, Visuals, Visuals
Ever watch the Food Channel? It’s pretty easy to associate a craving with visual imagery at some times. Notice how good the Domino’s Pizza looks after the commercial break is up? Our brains are cued to create want towards attractive items…just like our bodies…watch what you watch.
Great, well that’s really motivating Derek…How can I get over this stuff?
1. Eat in Intervals
Eating spaced out meals throughout the day gives rise to metabolism increase and can help stave off cravings when you know your next mini-meal is coming up shortly…you wouldn’t want to ruin your appetite for that nice salad you have prepared in the refrigerator now would ya? Eating small amounts frequently also keeps your blood-sugar levels stable, so the desire for serotonin increase is held at bay…keep snacking…healthfully.
2. Get Rid of the Caffeine
Most experts will agree with me here that drinks that act as stimulants increase junk cravings and give way to nutritional abuse on your body. Anything with caffeine and lots of sugar such as coffee, soda, and energy drinks creates major fluctuation in blood-sugar levels and throws your body all out of wack. Try a Jumpstart Pill instead.
3. Train Your Body with Discipline
The most sustainable way to ward off daily cravings is to just not give in to them at all…seriously. Just don’t give in when that cheeseburger is looking like heaven on earth. It’s tough as crap at first, but over time your body adjusts the internal clock and loves it. No more cravings? Fewer problems.
So there you have it…want to look sexier, be fit, live better, feel better, get stronger, etc? Balance your body’s consumption (it’s about 60-70% of your diet anyway) and be smart and moderate. You’ll get there…I am!
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The Food Network is really more like it and yes they do make you want to chow down…it’s terrible - I’m glad you finally say something about it.
You’re right…I was actually watching some guy prep a lamb chop last week and I went out to the grocery store to buy it; I think getting healthy ideas is okay…it’s just when you give in to munching any thing available at the cost of nutrition is when you can get into some serious trouble.
Point 1 is key…….if you eat frequently and eat the right things then the cravings will be smaller. But if your are still having cravings to eat the Cheeseburger you probably didnt eat enough when you did eat or you waited to long to eat that next meal (blood sugar drop). Most people fail to realize when someone diets the cravings are literally your body telling your brain to eat because you are starving yourself.
Agreed with Dave here…although it seems like I have to eat every half hour to keep burning…so the other point not mentioned on the initial post is that if you’re going to “Carb it Up” make sure most of those come in the morning AND in healthy fashion…i.e. SKIP the bagel and go for some ToTal cereal or similar; thanks!
[...] Stick to portions; if you keep your meals at smaller proportions and eat more frequently (every 2 to 3 hours instead of big meals that are spaced 5 or more hours [...]