What is a good way to stop food cravings?

[Anonymous]

I've been dieting and exerscising regularly, but lately I've had these incredibly strong cravings for empty calories, soda, chocolate, ice cream, etc. Any good ways to help combat these cravings?

Please no "just stay strong" I am. I just need some help when they get really strong.

Updates

+1 y

My diet includes plenty of lean meats, fish, veggies, whole grains and fruits. I am not that hungry just having cravings for soda, and other refined sugars and empty calories, constantly.

[HereForTheDay]

yeah. You are experiencing two things. Your body is trying to build muscle for which it needs protein (carbs can't build muscle) so your body signals that you are hungry. The second thing is that your body knows that it is not getting as much food but you are increasing the energy demands on it so it goes into a Hoarding phase. It is hard to lose weight while this happens.
The answer is to eat protein (your body can easily turn protein into energy but cannot turn carbs or your natural fat, into protein). You will feel less hungry, burn more fat, and be able to build muscle. Look at the following link: www.maxworkouts.com/.../8-diet-and-exercise-tips-to-stay-young-healthy

[JSmith925]

I have been using self-hypnosis for years. It works. You can get books from all the major sellers---Amazon, Barns & Noble, etc.

[aamy811]

Those sound like high sugar foods. When your body craves artificial sugar it's because it's low on natural sugar it needs and wants a quick fix. Your brain runs on sugar so don't be afraid of it. Just make sure to eat natural sugar like those found in fruit. It won't make you fat and it's delicious.

[Asker]

I do, but I used to eat a lot of refined sugar like that and I keep getting huge cravings for it ugh.

[aamy811]

Because your body isn't getting enough natural sugars. It's low so it wants a source that will give it the quickest amount of sugar (it wants a sugar highs).. But instead you should fill it with more steady, healthy and natural forms of sugar from things like fruit. Try eating a mango, or rip banana (yellow and spotty)

[Asker]

I do have fruit daily, you are saying I need more?

[aamy811]

Typically when your body is craving something it's because it needs it. In this case it needs sugar because it wants sugar.
And it's not something to be convened about it's not like you'll get fat off of a couple mangoes.

[sweetestxemily]

i always drink water. at first i thought it was dumb and didn't work but anymore i find if i consistently drink water throughout the day i am less hungry

[Asker]

how consistently?

[sweetestxemily]

I drink water at least every hour or hour and a half. Not like a lot but I have at least five to six bottles of water a day.

[GirlScoutsRevenge]

Dark chocolate is really good. Get a 70% cocoa solids or higher. Just have one little square, it really stops that sugar craving and it isn't really bad for you. I think it's actually good for your heart in small doses...

[RationalLioness]

Eat healthy snacks. Popcorn? Peanut butter on a spoon or apples with peanut butter? Fruits like mangos and oranges? Bananas?

[Asker]

I do eat fruit, I am however allergic to peanuts.

[RationalLioness]

Dang. Caramel isn't healthy either...

[bubbletrouble]

Sugar cravings are normal. So are salt cravings. Just buy a bag of Hershey kisses and eat 1-2 per day.

[gagTits]

To eat... lol. Seriously. Just make sure you get proteins, carbs and fat. and stay active.

[HollywoodGlam]

Eat healthy and have full meals.

[Asker]

I do, I'm not hungry per se, just constantly craving sugar.

[Not_Helping]

Stop having them?