Tricks to Stop Food Cravings

For many, food cravings are passing desires that strike every so often. For others, according MedicineNet, cravings are a component of a food addiction, often involving consumption of sugars, chocolate, cheeses or meats. A medically supervised fast helps many people break the addiction at the TrueNorth Health Center in Rohnert Park, Calif. But, as a substitute, clinical psychologist Douglas Lisle, PhD, suggests total avoidance of the addictive food for about 3 weeks. If you adopt this strategy, some behavioral tricks will help ease the transition and keep you from attacking the fridge.

Water

• Instead of reaching for a calorie-ridden snack, drink a big glass of cool water. It will trick your mouth, stomach and brain into thinking it's full and end the craving. Add a low-calorie flavored drink mix to the water to add a touch of sweetness, which will satisfy your sweet tooth without causing you to indulge in a treat you will regret later.

Distract Yourself

• A healthy activity can distract you from your craving until it subsides, like a walk with a friend or playing with your dog in a park. Avoid activities that will trigger your desire to eat, such as watching television or trips to other food-centered areas, like mall food courts.

Construct a Saying

• Constructing a saying or mantra to repeat gives you a ready-made diversion whenever you are tempted to eat an unhealthy snack. An examples are: "You are comfortable and you do not need food" or "My stomach isn't growling, so I don't need to eat." Making up your own mantra will is more effective for your particular situation. Write down the saying and post it on the refrigerator and the kitchen cabinets to remind you that the craving will pass.

Find a Low-Calorie Alternative

• Healthier alternatives to high-calorie snack cravings include low-calorie cookies, crackers and other snacks. Hit the grocery store aisles and locate the health food section to find them. Sherbet is a low-calorie alternative to ice cream, while a lean piece of ham will satisfy your craving for a salty piece of bacon.

Brush Your Teeth

• Brushing your teeth with a mint-flavored toothpaste will make your body and brain believe that a craving for sweets was satisfied. Keep a small tube of toothpaste and a travel-sized toothbrush in your purse or office drawer to refresh your mouth on-the-go.