Ever feel like you must have a bag of chips, a chocolate bar, a spoonful of peanut butter? Cravings are normal. Their causes aren’t clear— psychological, physical, or both. Perhaps your body craves foods with nutrients you need. Or maybe positive emotions, memories, and social situations reinforce your food cravings.
Should you give in to a craving, especially if it’s not a fruit or vegetable? Sure, now and then, if most of your food choices are nutrient-rich and if you keep portions small. Being rigid isn’t healthy.
To tame a craving:
- Find a distraction. With the immediate stimulus gone, your craving may disappear, too. If you still want it later, have a small portion.
- Pick a better-for-you version: perhaps frozen yogurt instead of premium ice cream for less fat and more calcium.
- Have a small taste. Being overly restrictive can make food irresistible. Then guilt creeps in, too!
- Listen to your body cues. Maybe hunger triggered a craving.
- Know what triggers your craving: perhaps chocolates in easy sight or the aroma of popcorn as you walk through the mall. Avoid it!
- Brush your teeth; gargle with mouthwash. That may extinguish your craving.
- Plan ahead. Have a small amount of another food handy, perhaps carrot sticks or pretzels.
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