Food cravings

Food cravings are something most all of us deal with and when we are trying to loss weight they can be much stronger. First of all we need to know why we are having these cravings. Some of it is because we feel like we are depriving yourself from the things we are craving such as sweats. Amazing what psychology can happen when you are dieting :). But there are other reasons. Most of the time they are caused when our blood sugar drops. There are a few different reasons this might happen. First, you might not be eating often enough or the right foods. Second, stress can cause your blood sugar to drop.

Lets talk about eating right. We know we need to keep our meals and snacks balanced. Remember that protein takes longer to digest so it can help keep your blood sugar levels regulated longer. If there is a time of day that is specifically hard for you make sure you eat balanced meal, snack, and meal around those times. For instance afternoon cravings and snacking can be curbed by adding more protein to your lunch, having a yogurt or cottage cheese and fruit for snack, then eating a well balanced dinner. Pay attention to that time of the day and eat before it becomes a problem. Almonds are also a great protein source on the go. It is so important to keep your body fouled and happy.

Stress can also be a cause for cravings. I personally crave junk food and carbs just before the kids get home off the bus at 3. :) If your cravings are triggered by stress find a way to prevent the stress or let that stress out in a healthy way. We have gone over that before. Get enough sleep, take a walk, call a friend, take deep breaths, sit in the sunshine or eat a healthy snack. There are alot of things we can do before we get stressed out to keep the stress from getting to bad. It might be as easy as not letting other people get to you or keeping your thoughts positive instead of dwelling on the negative. Some of us have huge stresses that are real and life consuming and may not be gone this week or even this year. Remember there is always a great help just a prayer away. Heavenly Father wants you to be happy and can help calm the storms. I know this.

Ultimately we need to do everything we can to eat healthy and balanced, let the stress go and be happy. Remember this is a new healthy life style not a passing phase of your life. There is room for a treat here and there just don't let the situation make that decision for you. What we are trying to do is be the master over ourselves. We can choose good food. We can choose to deal with stress in a healthy way. We can make those choices part of our life for ever.

Keep up the good work. Let's make this week a great one!

Here is an article with more info on dealing with cravings.
http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-strategies/conquer-food-cravings