Stave off unhealthy food cravings naturally

Friday, August 05, 2011 by: Fleur Hupston
Tags: food cravings, habits, health news

(NewsTarget) The fast paced, demanding world most of us live in can take its toll on health. This is because food is eaten on the run and most people simply do not have the time to source organically grown vegetables and fruits or cook meals from scratch at the end of a busy day. This contributes to unhealthy eating habits which can cause food cravings. This article looks at some simple tips which can eliminate these cravings and make life a little healthier.

Many people have a craving for food after experiencing an intense emotion. Stress, anger, joy, frustration or boredom are some of the emotions that may trigger a food craving. In order to manage energy levels effectively and/or lose weight, it is important to distinguish between hunger and cravings. It is not only negative feelings that can have this effect. Love and joy can also trigger emotional eating. A suggestion to help you think twice before eating when you are not really hungry is to ask yourself: "Am I really hungry or do I just want to change the way I feel?" Try and wait a while before giving in. Remember that emotional hunger is sudden and urgent. Physical hunger is gradual and is satisfied with food.

According to The Craving Brain by Dr. Ronald Ruden, excessive stress and emotions can create physiological cravings for food due to changes in our brain chemistry. Identify the emotions and stress factors that may cause overeating and emotional responses to food. Resist the urge to head for the refrigerator or vending machine whenever stressed or worried - drink some water first. Take a brisk walk if possible in order to clear the mind and think about what it is that is bothering you.

Eat when really hungry, not just because the clock tells you it is 13h00 therefore you need to eat.
Don't buy junk food and keep it in the house or at the office. Snack on healthy fast foods such as raw almonds and raisins. These will fill you up and they are crammed with good fats and nutrients. One or two squares of dark chocolate is a treat for chocoholics and a teaspoon of raw honey will satisfy any sweet tooth. Re-train the brain to snack on healthy treats - avoid over-eating or emotional eating by thinking about what you are doing versus absent-mindedly grabbing something on the run or resorting to comfort eating when stressed.

Sources:

Dischem Benefits Magazine, article "Hungry for a Hug or a Hamburger?" by Celynn Erasmus, page 84, Issue 34
https://www.naturalnews.com/023330_food_foods...
http://www.canadianliving.com/health/nutriti...

About the author

Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.