23 Ways to Curb Cravings

Got the munchies? Try some of these ideas.

Vicki Griffin is director of Lifestyle Matters and director of Health Ministries for the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She has authored numerous books and teaching materials for community health education. As a science writer, her special area of research is lifestyle stressors and simple stress solutions; that is, the relationship between diet, lifestyle, stress mechanisms, addictions, and brain health. For more information, see www.lifestylematters. com/content/about-lifestyle-matters. This article is copyright www. LifestyleMatters.com. 866-624-5433. Used by permission.

  1. Plan healthful meals ahead of time.
  2. Drink plenty of water between meals.
  3. Eat at regular, set times and avoid snacking.
  4. Take time to eat meals: eat slowly and deliberately; put your fork down between bites.
  5. Chew food well.
  6. Fill up on fiber-rich, unrefined foods, such as whole grains and beans.
  7. Enjoy a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables.
  8. Enjoy soluble fiber foods on a regular basis (oats, beans, barley, flax, legumes).
  9. Include healthful fats (olives, nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil) in your diet instead of trans fat and saturated fats.
  10. Eat a piece of fresh fruit instead of sweets.
  11. Share your dessert (if you have one) with another person.
  12. Limit the number of food choices you allow yourself when at potlucks or buffets (i.e., two entrees, one salad, one veggie).
  13. Bring healthful choices to share at social functions.
  14. Chew gum or use a breath-mint strip after eating.
  15. Push your plate away from you when you are full.
  16. Push your chair back from the table while visiting after a meal.
  17. Put a napkin over your plate when done with a meal while others are still eating.
  18. Divert your attention away from food after a meal.
  19. Don’t keep binge food items in the house or workplace.
  20. Exercise every day; a 10-minute brisk daily walk will energize you and reduce cravings.
  21. Get regular sleep.
  22. Manage stress.
  23. Utilize prayer.

Vicki Griffin is director of Lifestyle Matters and director of Health Ministries for the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She has authored numerous books and teaching materials for community health education. As a science writer, her special area of research is lifestyle stressors and simple stress solutions; that is, the relationship between diet, lifestyle, stress mechanisms, addictions, and brain health. For more information, see www.lifestylematters. com/content/about-lifestyle-matters. This article is copyright www. LifestyleMatters.com. 866-624-5433. Used by permission.