How to Beat Cravings

Does food call your name from the kitchen at night???

It did for me! For years.

I would be sitting on the couch watching X-Files (Scully was the coolest!) after dinner and the cookies would literally be calling out to me. I would be so distracted that I couldn't even enjoy Scully scoffing at Mulder!

But it wasn't really funny. My thoughts would be CONSUMED with food. And I hated it.

I couldn't enjoy parties because I had this pull to the food table. I couldn't enjoy a relaxing evening because all I could think about was having another snack. I would be fixated on food at any event or gathering. Anytime I wasn't eating, I was thinking about food and what my next meal would be. It was a constant loop in my head and it drove me nuts! I tried to fight the cravings. It was exhausting trying to constantly reason with my cravings: No, you just ate! You don't need another snack.

You know another cookie isn't good for you.

Your pants are already too tight, just stop eating!

You aren't even hungry, just put it down.

But I couldn't stop! I was exhausted from fighting myself and my thoughts. I was frustrated and angry that I couldn't control it. How did I break free from the hold cravings had on my life?

• I acknowledged and accepted that I had a problem and that I needed to ask for help. I joined a Beachbody group. It gave me the accountability I needed in the beginning to stick to my plan.

• I educated myself about how food affects the body by listening to experts on podcasts (I recommend The Model Health Show) and reading nutrition books. For me to stick to this healthy change, I needed to hear just how bad sugar and fried food was for my body. You will have to find out what motivates you to stay on track and stay away from the junk food.

• I detoxed. It wasn't a fancy detox. It was a cold-turkey, simple detox. I cut out ALL the junk: sugar, white flour, anything processed, fast food. Just for a while (100 days to be exact). I needed to reset my whole body so I knew what good felt like in my body. I needed to clear my mind from the fog and chemicals that sugar and processed foods create to be able to finally hear what my body was saying.

• I gave myself grace. Cravings still rear their ugly head from time to time 5 years later. Remember that it is a journey to overcome a way of life you lived for 20+ years. To undo 15, 20, 30 years of unhealthy eating habits will take time. It won't happen over night. You will stumble and give in but know that it's OK and forgive yourself! You are on the track to healing and overcoming those cravings for good!! Just pick yourself up and try again.

• I focused on getting enough quality sleep. Getting enough, high quality sleep regulates your hunger hormones! It literally reduces cravings by increasing the hormone that helps you feel satisfied after a meal. We all know that after a long night with little sleep all we want are the donuts or chips because our brains are starving for energy. Instead, make sure you are fueling your brain with enough sleep so it doesn't scream for the junk food.

• I celebrated the small victories. So maybe you gave into a craving but you caught yourself and only had 3 cookies instead of 4!!!! That is amazing!!! And maybe you wake up one morning and realized you didn't have that after dinner snack!! Celebrate that, you amazing person you!!

• I don't allow junk food in the house any more! I don't even put myself into the situation at home where I can be tempted. If we are having a special treat or celebration that includes dessert, we send any leftovers home with our guests. We don't buy chips, or candy or cookies anymore to bring home. If we want a treat, we go out to have it. That way we enjoy it more and can control just how much we have.
  

If you struggle with cravings, I hope these steps will help you gain control and find freedom from the them! It can be done!