Last Updated on May 23, 2019
It’s inevitable that when adopting new healthy eating habits that you’ll be tempted or have cravings.
The next time you feel the urge to indulge satisfy your cravings and stay on track with these simple tips. Before I get into smart snacks and conquering cravings, first I’ll go over what cravings are and why they happen.
Why do Cravings Happen?
Often times, our go-to foods contain ingredients that affect our body’s at the cellular level. A lot of foods contain hormone-fluctuating ingredients that physically alter our mood, blood sugar, hunger and desires for specific foods. This graphic breaks down different craving and how they affect your body, hunger and mood.
How to Snack Smart with Healthy + Skinny Substitutions
- Chocolate – Mix a tablespoon of cocoa and stevia into non or low-fat almond milk and savor slowly – you’ll quench your craving and get bonus serving of magnesium
- Pasta – Make zucchini noodles
- Salt? – Pickles
- Try Soup – Broth based soups are salty, filling and low in calories
- Pizza – Make your own and use cauliflower crust
- Pat Down Pizza – Get thin crust, light cheese, extra veggies, and lean protein. Don’t eat the crust and blot off the grease with your napkin before your first bite and save major calories.
- Want Something Sweet? – Try Organic Greek yogurt with berries and almonds for delicious fat fighting nutrients and antioxidants. Protein popsicles are another great alternative. And you can’t go wrong with a piece of fresh fruit. : )
If you’re still craving sugar… then try this crazy trick that kills sugar cravings in seconds…
If you’re still craving salt, eat a banana and drink a glass (or 2 of water). Often time salt cravings are indicative of dehydration and potassium deficiency. Drinking water and eating a banana will help correct both. #winning
Sometimes, a skinny substation just won’t work. If you find yourself feeling like I-know-better-but-I-want-it-anyway…. then try these tips.
Healthy Tips to Satisfy Cravings and Snack Smart
- Drink a glass (or 2) of Water – The water will physically take up space in your tummy, preventing the ability to overeat. Plus, the water will help you feel satisfied and full, so you won’t want to over-do it.
- Order off the Kids Menu – You’ll get a smaller serving size, save money, and calories
- Share – Order the fries, nachos, or wings if you simply must have them but split them with the table
- Destroy It – Order what you’re craving – as soon as the craving is satisfied and you’re feeling full — trash whatever is left on the plate… pour salt on it or cover with your napkin. Seriously. You’ll instantly prevent overindulging and save yourself hundreds of calories.
TIP #1 Start your day with protein and fiber
It’s good to have breakfast with lean proteins and veggies. The protein and fiber will help keep you full and regulate blood sugar so you’ll avoid cravings.
I recommend using organic eggs to make omelets, scrambled eggs, or egg muffins with spinach, onion, mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, and/or tomatoes.
You can also make protein packed smoothies made with nut milk, a clean protein powder, collagen, cauliflower florets or a handful of leafy greens. This green smoothie recipe would be perfect. The protein powders I recommend are listed here. (they’re non-toxic, packed with protein, nutrients, and taste great!)
TIP #2 Drink water Like it’s Your Job
As summer heat increases, your daily water intake requirements do, too. And no, the water in your Iced coffee doesn’t count.
Ideally, you’ll want to have at least one 8oz. glass of filtered water an hour. Water will keep you hydrated, boosts energy, is calorie-free, helps regulate hunger, and prevents overeating.
Bonus points if you add fresh lemon juice, or muddle other fruits in your water. The fruit adds natural flavor and nutrients that absorb into your cells which helps you feel more energized and hydrated.
TIP #3 Skip Processed Foods
I always recommend avoiding bread/buns, cheese, dips, and chips, pretzels, etc… These processed foods are high in carbs and sodium, which make you retain water. They also tend to be higher in toxic, inflammatory ingredients and GMO grains. Hello bloating and water retention! As you retain water, you’ll be retaining those toxins longer, too.
They’ll leave you with too-full which isn’t a cute feeling… especially if you’re in a bathing suit or shorts/tank. It’s best to skip these foods.
TIP #4 Avoid Eating Carbs and Fat Together
Processed Starchy/Sugary Carbs + Fat = The worst nutrient combination for health and fitness.
What to Eat Instead
Instead, pair veggies with lean proteins and healthy fats together. The fat, protein, and fiber will help keep you full and energized – without a carb crash. The fat also helps your body absorb nutrients better.
Clean, lean proteins, combined with veggies are filling but light and will help you feel satisfied and energized instead of blah and bloated with a bulging belly.
Fresh fruit is a great option if you want something sweet, too.
The best way to stay on track is to bring your own healthy recipes to your get-together. That way everyone will have healthier options available to enjoy.
It works, if you work it!
Your Coach and Biggest Cheerleader
xxoo
P.S. If you’re struggling to lose weight, constantly craving foods and feel down more than you’re feeling up… you may be experiencing metabolic dysfunction or side effects from toxic buildup. Take my free metabolic analysis and I’ll explain what your metabolic type is, if you’re having symptoms of metabolic dysfunction and how you can fix it and start feeling happier, healthier and get fit fast.
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