Curb Those Cravings!
Cravings get the better of us all sometimes, and there is nothing wrong with indulging in a sweet treat or your favourite savoury snack once in a while. But, we don't want to become reliant on sugary, salty foods to get us through the day.
My amazing Nutrition Team have compiled some of their Top Tips to keep those pesky cravings at bay.
Staying hydrated has proved to curb cravings and make you feel less hungry. The easiest way to avoid cravings, is by drinking a glass of water instead. If you think this is a long shot, water really does make you feel fuller and therefore you will be much less interested in wanting to snack!
Having protein with each meal can act to reduce your cravings, helps you to feel fuller for longer, and can help you fight the urge to eat late into the evening. Protein also supports your metabolism, contributes to healthy weight loss and helps carry blood and oxygen around the body.
Keeping a workout light, and avoiding high intensity exercise [which may just make you feel hungrier!] can actually help you to avoid snacking and will curb cravings. A light workout, like a brisk walk or a yoga class, has been found in studies to help you eat less than you usually would. Perhaps it is all those endorphins from the exercise making you feel good, and helping you think less about food!
The hungrier we become, the more we make bad food choices. If we let ourselves get into a state of hunger, we will eat anything to feel better, even if it has no nutritional value. We will actually crave the high fat/sugar foods, because they are more calorie dense and our taste buds need something to fill us up.
Try to plan your meals ahead, have leftovers available in the fridge from dinner time, and make sure to have a quick healthy snack between meals. This will keep your blood sugar levels consistent, and will help your body to avoid cravings. Healthy snacks that are great to have on hand are a handful of nuts [cashews, almonds, pistachios] which are high in healthy fats and protein. Greek yogurt with berries, or a banana with nut butter are also ideal options.
- Get enough sleep
Not getting enough sleep can make us feel groggy, de-motivated and we often reach for the unhealthy treats. This can affect our appetite and increase our cravings. There are lots of ways to help sleep, which can range from calming essential oils, getting enough Magnesium and B vitamins, making sure you get sufficient sunlight during the day. Often it’s because we have too much on our minds, and a yoga class or meditation can really help to quiet and calm the mind before bed.
- Try our high fibre Slim Me drinks:
A source of Glucomannan from the Konjac root, these high fibre lemon drinks act to slow down digestion, stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce saguary cravings. All whilst making you feel fuller and more satisfied from a smaller portion [when taken before a meal].
If you miss having your favourite chocolate bar at 4pm, why not switch it with a healthier version? Chocolate bliss balls are delicious, and you can make them from natural and fresh ingredients, and avoid the processed sugars!
See our favourite recipe below for a delicious snack, that 100% feels like a treat!
Chocolate bliss balls
Makes 20 energy balls
Ready in 15 minutes
Calories 202 kcals per serving (2 energy balls)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 20 medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus 1/2 cup more for rolling
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Desiccated coconut [tbsp to roll - optional
Method
- Place almonds into a food processor and pulse to break them up. Let it run for a few minutes to make a fine almond powder. Add dates and vanilla, and pulse to break up the dates, then let the processor run for 30 seconds more.
- Add coconut, cocoa, cinnamon, and salt and pulse until well combined. The mixture should stick together when pressed with your hands.
- Spread 1/2 cup coconut onto a plate. Scoop tablespoons of the date mixture into your hands and roll into balls. Roll the balls [roll in desiccated coconut for a little extra Joy.] Refrigerate for a couple of hours until firm.