One of the biggest factors for obesity in people is uncontrolled food cravings. We’ve all experienced it some point – we suddenly have a hankering for food and we want to indulge ourselves even if at the back of our minds we know that the food we’re craving for is not good for us and will only make us gain weight. Our cravings are actually hardwired into our brains because of evolution and how our ancestors had to fend for themselves in the midst of scant resources as hunters and gatherers. But in the modern world where any kind of food you want is just a shot trip away from the your home, this instinct is resulting in more harm than good. Just look at the rising rates of obesity all over the world and you’ll know that food cravings should really be controlled.
One of the first steps you should take when dealing with food cravings is to have a definite goal. What do you want to be the end result of your commitment to control your food cravings? Whether you want to hit a target weight, trim your figure so you can have a leaner body when you go to the beach, or as a complement to your new exercise program, these goals will help motivate you as you strive to meet it. To make your goal-setting more motivational give yourself a time frame. You’ll be more motivated to control your cravings when faced with a definite deadline. To eliminate discouragement, set smaller goals along the way, so you’ll feel that you’re actually achieving milestones as you work on your ultimate goal.
Don’t just control your food cravings. Make your decision an opportunity to actually improve your way of life by starting an exercise program. You’ll feel better about your body as you sweat out the excess pounds. The exercise will also help you shed your weight faster.
One way of tricking your body about food cravings is by refocusing your cravings towards healthier alternatives. Whenever you’re craving for a particular food take your mind away from it and just eat a healthy snack or dish. This will help in many ways. First, you’ll feel full and with a full stomach you can dull your cravings. Have healthy food handy wherever you are so that when you see something that will trigger a craving for a sweet, salty or fatty food you can just take out your healthy snack and munch on it.
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