A few weekends ago, I indulged in something I hadn’t eaten in years and was soon hit with an intense food craving that also hadn’t surfaced in years. Looking back at my experience, I’ve realized that my life-long commitment to the Paleo diet has kept my weight in check and, surprisingly, immunized me from the food cravings that many people struggle with. The Paleo diet consists of meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and eliminates wheat, grains, gluten, dairy, and soy from your meals, which tend to be the main culprits behind those nagging food cravings.
Why sticking to Paleo may cancel out food cravings
The precise reason why the Paleo diet might eliminate food cravings is debatable, but I believe it lies in the ‘eat as much as you want’ philosophy. When you stick to the approved food list, you can eat as much as you’d like without feeling guilty or hungry an hour later. And if you’re never feeling deprived of food, how can you crave it? I have admittedly stuffed myself to maximum capacity many days while on this diet and have reaped additional benefits, such as losing 15 pounds. I also exercise, but not excessively. By sticking to my diet and refraining from sugary drinks, weight concerns have become obsolete, and food cravings seem to be nonexistent.
Additional ways to curb food cravings
If the Paleo diet isn’t for you, or you’re looking for other helpful methods to combat food cravings, try these tips:
- Keep junk food out of your pantry: It may seem obvious, but not keeping those unhealthy treats in your house can help you resist the temptation to indulge when a craving hits.
- Eat the food you crave in the middle of a meal: Research suggests that eating a ‘problem food’ like chocolate during your meal may prevent you from craving it after you’ve finished eating. Opt for healthier dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate to curb your sweet tooth even more.
- Chew mint gum: Dr. Oz claims that a minty taste in your mouth can make other foods taste unpleasant and, therefore, less appealing.
- Change your mindset about treats: Swap cookies, cakes, and pastries for healthier dessert options that can satisfy your cravings while maintaining your healthy lifestyle. Choose from a selection of recipes that use nutritious ingredients to provide a guilt-free treat.
- Yoga: Controlled yoga breathing exercises have been shown to help manage cravings and addictions.
The best way to prevent food cravings is to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a satisfying, nutrient-rich diet. Healthy meals can be physically and emotionally fulfilling, so taking the time to explore the types of foods you enjoy eating and learning to cook them in a healthier manner can make a world of difference. For example, try using olive oil over corn oil as a healthier alternative when preparing meals.
As for my own experience, I did eat another slice of bread the following day without having an intense craving afterward. Perhaps I ate it at a different time of day or was less susceptible to craving due to another factor. Regardless, this experience has strengthened my belief that the Paleo diet is my best defense against the toxic food environment that surrounds us.
