We all get food cravings, especially if you are just starting out on your healthy eating and weight loss journey. Cheree Sheldon, one of our fabulous Healthy Mummy nutritionists, has given us 5 top tips to help overcome some of those annoying food cravings. 
1. Out of sight, out of mind
If every time you open the fridge you are confronted with a food you just can’t resist, then either
- Don’t buy it anymore, or
- Wrap it in something dark and hide it up the back of the fridge.
A lot of clients say to me “well, I buy this for the kids, but I end up eating most of it” If it something that you feel wrong about eating, then surely it is something that you should not be giving to your children! We are their role models, so please remember to keep that in mind with your own food behaviours.
2. Nothing, a little or a lot?
Avoid depriving yourself. Most “diets” fail as people view them as deprivation and end up breaking the self imposed rules. All or nothing behaviours are the worst at dealing with cravings, as you will have that little devil whispering in your ear until you “give in”, and usually it results in eating more than intended..
Think smart about your craving. Can you make a healthier version? And can you eat a smaller portion? On the Healthy Mummy 28 day weight loss challenge there are lots of healthy treats included in our meal plans.
3. Plan to succeed
Plan your days so you avoid temptations. When is the time where you usually are “hit” with a craving? Is it while you are standing in line doing the shopping? Then eat a filling meal beforehand and plan a snack to have when you get home.
Is it on the drive home from work? Then pack two afternoon teas that are higher in fibre and have a bit of protein as well to make you feel fuller for longer.
Meal planning is so important in helping you to avoid being in those situation where craving occur. Read our tips on how to meal plan like a pro.
4. Look at the details
Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals?? Is your diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables? Are you eating a wide range of whole grains, meat, seafood, nuts and seeds?
Minerals that are linked to sugar cravings are manganese, chromium, and magnesium. You get these from whole grains, liver, legumes, mushrooms, and beef. Adding these minerals to your diet will certainly help reduce cravings.
5. Keep it clean
Are you unwittingly consuming chemicals and toxins alongside your foods?
Choosing organic foods limits the amount of chemicals that enter our bodies and disrupt our hormones. Drinking out of plastic for example can trick our bodies into thinking it has more oestrogen than it does, and cause hormonal issues.
