Hunger cravings can be sparked by something as simple as a commercial, a smell in the office, or just plain boredom. Knowing how to curb these cravings and avoid excess snacking is crucial when trying to lose weight. Here are a few tips to help you in your weight loss journey.
- Eat your meals away from the TV. When we eat in front of the TV, we become distracted and unaware of how much we eat. Distracted eating can lead to loads of excess calories. Instead, step away from the TV and eat your meals at a dining table.
- Refrain from second helpings. Second helpings often mean twice the calories. Create a plate of servings according to your diet plan and stick to it!
- Keep unhealthy snacks out of the house. Out of sight, out of mind! One of the best things you can do when trying to stick to any diet plan is to simply keep unhealthy food out of reach. Ditch processed foods, especially snacks like chips, cookies, and crackers. You are far less likely to eat food that you don’t have immediate access to.
- Don’t work while you eat. Just like eating in front of the TV, eating while working can cause excess distracted eating. If you have a cafeteria or an outdoor space where you can eat away from your desk, take advantage of it! Spend the time to clear your mind and take a break to eat. You may also find that you feel refreshed and more productive when you return to work!
- Drink water. When you feel a hunger craving, throw back a glass of water. Water is great for you! If it’s not mealtime, your body could simply be dehydrated. Drinking a glass water is calorie-free way to fill your stomach between meals and keep from snacking. It’s also a great way to help you eat less during a meal!
- Make a pot of coffee or cup of tea. Caffeine can help suppress your appetite! A cup of either can help you feel full because both beverages are completely water based! Coffee and tea have nearly zero calories as long as you don’t add any cream or sugar. Plus you get the bonus of filling the room with a delicious aroma!
- Snack on a few apple slices. If you find yourself in dire need of a snack, have a few apple slices! Apples are low in calories and help hydrate the body, as they are water based!
- Have a stick of gum. Sugar-free gum is a great way to keep your mouth busy without ingesting any calories. Also, studies have shown that mint-flavored products can help suppress appetite!
- Brush your teeth. People who brush their teeth multiple times per day are less likely to eat excess food. Brushing your teeth or swishing with mouthwash, is an easy way to keep yourself from eating, primarily because it makes many foods taste different.
- Walk away! We are bombarded with food at parties, work lunches, and events. If you feel a craving coming on, the best thing you can do is step away for a few minutes and let the craving dissolve. After you’ve done this a few times, your willpower will be so strong, you’ll feel like a superhero!
Food is always around us, but that doesn’t mean we should always be eating. Empowering yourself with these tips will help you fight off cravings and keep you on the path to weight loss success! These will also help you maintain the recommended caloric intake during the hCG diet. If you are looking for a safe and effective way to lose weight, we recommend calling the Complete Medical Weight Loss Clinic! Schedule a visit and determine if our program’s diet plan, prescription appetite suppressants, and optional injections will help you reach your weight loss objectives!