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Tips to Stop Carb Cravings

It's best to eat all foods in moderation, but if you are trying to lose weight, carbohydrates can make it tough to shed the pounds. Making matters even worse, foods rich in carbohydrates, such as pasta, candy, bread and pastries, are some of the most desired foods out there. If you are having trouble curbing your cravings for carbohydrates, a few things can help.

  1. Distraction

    • Cravings for essential things, such as warmth, water or oxygen, are vital and will not go away. But if you get a craving for a chocolate cupcake, given time, the craving will go away. That's because the chocolate cupcake is not essential for your survival--even though it might feel that way at the time. When you get that craving, do something to distract yourself. Turn on the television, read a magazine, go for a walk or make a phone call.

    Visualize

    • When you look at a menu and are strongly considering ordering the fettuccine alfredo rather than the grilled chicken breast and side salad, start some visualization. Think about what your weight loss or fitness goal is and how the carbohydrate-heavy meal will set you back. For example, maybe your goal is to look good in a bikini by the summer. Visualize yourself in the bikini and think about how good you will feel, not only about your appearance, but also about completing the goal. Then, think about how you will feel if you don't meet your goal because you couldn't control carb cravings.

    Eat or Drink

    • When you can't get that order of French fries or cinnamon roll off of your mind, substitute it for something else. Sometimes, food cravings are actually a sign of dehydration. Drink a glass or two of water and see if the craving is still there. If it is, eat something else that is healthier. While you may not be as satisfied as you would be if you ate the desired food, at least you will be full. Eating regular meals is another important factor in avoiding cravings. Eat three regular meals a day and carry plenty of healthy snacks with you.

    Protein

    • Protein stays with you longer than other foods, such as carbohydrates. That means you won't be hungry and will be less likely to begin craving foods that are bad for you. Incorporate plenty of healthy protein into both breakfast and lunch. You may think that eating a light breakfast is good for you, but incorporating protein into that meal is better. Eat eggs or other healthy proteins to avoid looking for doughnuts by mid-morning.

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