Cravings for junk food are some of the biggest things standing between people and their weight loss goals. The ways in which food goods are processed can leave you wanting more, even after you are full, and some of the low fat or reduced fat substitutions just do not fit the bill. One of the best ways to end these cravings for good is to make small lifestyle changes every couple of weeks to curb them while losing weight and increasing your health.
Pills and Supplements
There are many pills and supplements out there which claim to help, but it is important to talk to your doctor about how and if they produce results. Some products, for example, cause stomach cramps and diarrhea, which put you at risk for ongoing digestive issues. Your physician might recommend naltrexone to curb cravings and retrain your system. What is low dose naltrexone? It is a drug that treats addiction by blocking the pleasure/reward receptors. When taken as part of a diet and exercise plan, it can help curb cravings for junk food to make developing healthy eating habits easier.
Drink More Water
Replacing even one sugary drink with water every day can give you lasting effects. Not only does it lower your intake of sugar, which can be addictive, water is a necessary building block for many of your body’s systems, so you will feel healthier. Sipping water before, during and after exercising can help your muscles ache less and encourage the burning of fat and drinking a glass of water before meals can help with portion control efforts.
Find Your Triggers
As you encounter cravings, ask yourself why you want that item. Chances are there is something healthier you can substitute for it. For example, if you find yourself wanting a candy bar after completing a project, then your body may be trying to replace calories burned off from the brain work and you can grab the protein and fats you are craving in the form of mixed nuts. Those who stress eat can replace junk food with self-care options designed to release stress and tension such as listening to calming music or venting to a friend. Replacing junk food with lower fat options of the same item can give you a short-term fix but identifying the root of the craving and addressing that can stop future cravings.
Curbing junk food cravings is not an easy task, but it can be done through a combination of medications, healthy substitutions and reducing triggers. Lifestyle changes like drinking more water, eating nutrient dense foods and exercising more can help turn your effort to reduce cravings into weight loss and long-term health maintenance.
