Do you find yourself constantly craving sweet and salty foods? If you feel as if you raid the kitchen pantry on a daily basis, you might have trouble fighting your addiction when it comes to eating unhealthy foods that are sweet and salty. Although we don't want to eat unhealthy processed foods regularly, we also don't want to deprive ourselves. Read more to learn about six ways to fight your sweet and salty cravings!
1. Craving Sugar? Eat Fruit.
Most of the time when a sugar craving hits us, we tend to go for candy or something unhealthy. It is important to keep fruit in your house for when you are craving sugar, so you can easily grab a piece of fruit without indulging in something you might regret later on. Although fruit might not taste as good as a candy bar, it will provide your body with healthy nutrients while still satisfying your sweet tooth. Of course, it is still OK to have a piece of candy here and there, but the key to fighting off a sweet craving is eliminating junk food as much as possible!
2. Eat Regularly and Consistently
It is important to satisfy your hunger daily, in order to prevent binge eating. Often, people, especially teenagers, will skip breakfast and eat lunch as their first meal of the day. This usually results in overeating because your body is overly hungry from not eating anything for breakfast. If you deprive your body from food, you are more likely to overeat later on in the day. Keep your stomach satisfied!
3. Give in a Little
It's important to eat healthy in order to live a healthy lifestyle, but it is OK to treat yourself once in a while. People should be able to treat themselves without feeling like they are cheating themselves. When first starting to eat a healthier diet, it is important to make small changes over time. If you are craving chocolate, have some occasionally and then try to eat a smaller piece, resulting in eventually eliminating it or eating it only for special occasions.
4. Start Cooking More
Although buying prepared foods and canned foods are more convenient, there are consequences that come with buying these types of processed foods, rather than cooking yourself. When purchasing pre-made soups or salads in the grocery store, many times you don't know how much sodium and sugar are hidden in these foods. Even though homemade cooking is more time consuming, it's a healthier choice overall.
5. Avoid Processed Foods
Many times, unhealthy cravings result in the consumption of processed foods. It is easy to grab a snack from the pantry that will satisfy a sweet or salty craving. In order to help break this habit, some effort and willpower will be needed. Shopping at local farmers markets and changing up the food at home can make all the difference. Limit the amount of processed foods and snacks you purchase, and load up on the fresh produce.
6. Chew Gum
As silly as it sounds, if you are craving something sweet and salty, or any type of food, you might not actually be hungry. A lot of times, when people are bored, they resort to eating. Instead of sitting on the couch with a bag of chips, try chewing a piece of gum until your craving passes. Chewing gum should never replace a meal, but if you're craving an unhealthy snack after your balanced meals, chewing gum may help curb the craving.
About Doylestown Health Nutrition Services
Doylestown Health Nutrition Services offers personalized nutrition plans for those with a current medical condition or those interested in preventive health and weight loss. Doylestown Health Nutrition Services specializes in nutrition therapy for diabetes, weight management, cardiovascular disease, digestive and eating disorders, pregnancy, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
