One of the most difficult things about eating healthy is resisting the junk food. They're everywhere and so easy to get a hold of. How do we say no? Here are a few things that have worked for me...
Find alternatives to junk
We often snack out of boredom. Our mouths just want something to do, so give it something to do. I find that keeping a bag of munchable veggies is handy for this. Baby carrots and sugar snap peas are great for this. They're crunchy, slightly sweet and can satisfy your mouth's boredom. Any of you who know me know that I looooove me some ice cream. I've found that sometimes I can stave off that craving by eating yogurt instead. It's also sweet and creamy, and after finishing the cup I find I don't need the ice cream anymore.
Drink some water
A lot of times when we crave snacks, we're actually thirsty. For some reason our bodies aren't that great at informing us of thirst. Most people go through their day to day in a mild state of dehydration. I've read different articles on how much water you're supposed to drink a day. My take on it is it varies from person to person -- not just what size you are, but how active you are as well. Here's a good article about how much water will work best for you. Next time you in a snacking mood, have a nice, long drink of water instead.
Think about all the crap
I know what nasty things trans fats can do to you, so I avoid foods that contain them whenever I can. The vast majority of junk foods have it. When I think about that crap hanging around in my body, it turns me off and I no longer want what I was craving.
Resisting temptations is a mind game you play with yourself. It's the angel and the demon sitting on your shoulders. Which one are you going to listen to?
5 comments:
That is such a good tip about the yoghurt, I often have one to sort out a craving for something sweet and it works wonders!
Much healthier than half a tub of Ben and Jerry's or a chocolate bar. Although I do give in to the craving once in a while of course ;)
"Next time you in a snacking mood, have a nice, long drink of water instead." This is also great advice! We drink water like it's going outta fashion but I think that's mainly because of the climate we live in. I don't think we drank half as much when we lived in the UK (and funnily enough we used to snack more then too!)
Unfortunately, the one with the Ho-Ho in his hand...
I'm finding that it's easier in the summer when fruits/veggies are fresh and available to eat better.
Hey! Just got a good one.
Freeze berries! They make great (cold!) snacks and help with the sweet tooth. Right now I'm into blueberries and huckleberries.
I am a bored eater. Everytime I'm bored, I'm foraging through the fridge trying to find something I shouldn't eat. I've heard the thing about drinking water when you're craving something. I need to actually start doing that instead of picking up the oreos.
If you're a chick, and you're trying to resist junk food, just think, "If I don't eat this... and exercise.... I will look like Elektra".
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