7 Tips for Fighting Food Cravings
Many of our medical weight loss patients at New Results Medical Weight Loss share the challenge of fighting food cravings. We understand—it’s tough to resist the pull of unhealthy foods. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s science at work. Our brains are biologically driven to crave high-calorie, fatty foods. However, with the right strategies, you can train your brain to gain control over these cravings and stay on track with your weight loss journey.
Why Do We Crave Fatty Foods?
You might wonder why your brain craves that block of cheese instead of a bowl of veggies. The answer is simple: Calories equal survival. In our early hunter-gatherer days, food was scarce, and our brains were programmed to seek out fatty foods that provided the energy to survive lean times. While this behavior was essential for our ancestors, today it contributes to obesity and various health issues. But don’t worry—there are ways to manage these cravings and keep your progress intact!
1. Balance Your Blood Sugar
When your blood sugar spikes and crashes, it can trigger cravings. To stabilize your blood sugar, choose healthy proteins like nuts or seeds when you’re hungry between meals. Avoid artificial sweeteners, as they can spike your insulin levels and hinder your weight loss efforts. Focus on meals with lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables to keep your blood sugar steady.
2. Limit Liquid Calories and Artificial Sweeteners
You might think “zero calories” means it’s a healthy choice, but artificial sweeteners can actually increase cravings for sugar. Additionally, beverages containing sweeteners like sucralose can cause a rise in blood sugar and insulin. To combat this, swap carbonated or artificially flavored drinks for water, which is far better for both hydration and managing cravings.
3. Drink More Water
Sometimes, what feels like hunger is actually thirst. Next time you feel a craving coming on, try drinking a large glass of water and wait a few minutes. Often, you’ll find the craving fades away. Staying hydrated is also a great way to keep your appetite in check—drinking water before meals can help you eat less and support your weight loss goals.
4. Don’t Buy the Cravings
The easiest way to fight cravings is to avoid bringing unhealthy foods into your home. If they’re not readily available, it’s much easier to resist. When a craving strikes, consider going for a walk, engaging in a distracting activity, or chewing gum. Studies have shown that chewing gum can help reduce cravings and keep your appetite in check.
5. Plan and Prepare Your Meals
Meal prepping is a great way to set yourself up for success. When your meals are already planned and prepared, you eliminate the temptation to grab something unhealthy on a whim. Having your meals ready to go makes it easier to stick to your weight loss plan and helps reduce the likelihood of cravings.
6. Avoid Getting Starving
Hunger is one of the biggest triggers for cravings. To prevent this, keep healthy snacks on hand so you’re not caught hungry between meals. Eating regularly can help maintain steady energy levels and reduce the chances of cravings getting the best of you.
7. Try an Appetite Suppressant
If you’re still struggling with cravings, an appetite suppressant might be helpful. We offer Trim Slim and Cell Press, both designed to help curb appetite and support weight loss. Cell Press is a natural filler that makes you feel full before you eat, while Trim Slim boosts metabolism, suppresses appetite, and blocks cortisol (the stress hormone that can trigger cravings).
At New Results Medical Weight Loss, we’re here to help you manage cravings and achieve your weight loss goals. Ready to take the next step? Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our certified weight loss professionals. We can’t wait to see the new you!