Are cravings for junk food holding you back from becoming leaner and eating healthier?

Put the Brakes on Cravings

We know that stress can make you:

• eat too much food
• eat unhealthy food

We also know that our habits and behaviors are etched deeply into the pathways of the brain.

This week, we'll look at easy techniques you can do right now to stop cravings in their tracks by:

• reducing stress
• breaking bad habits
• creating new good habits

Tip #3:  Coping Skills to Stop Cravings

Take a few minutes to think about the strategies you will use to stop cravings.  Consider trying the following Coping Skills to beat cravings:

• anticipate stressful situations and plan in advance how you will reduce the stress or manage it
• throughout the day, check in with yourself and monitor your stress level -- take steps as needed to reduce or manage the stress
• keep a journal and record your stress level throughout the day -- take steps as needed to reduce or manage stress
• take breaks throughout the day to manage stress (go for a quiet walk)
• keep your hands busy (do a hobby you enjoy)
• take time to relax during the day (listen to calming music)
• eat a diet of fresh whole plant and animal foods -- keep processed foods to a minimum
• eat a balanced diet to keep blood sugar levels stable
• drink fresh water throughout the day to keep hydrated

Determine the Coping Skills that work for you and stop cravings in their tracks!

Tip #2:  How to Break Bad Habits

Since we know that habits are lodged in pathways in the brain, we need to break the brain connections of bad habits.  Try these techniques to replace bad habits with new good habits and behaviors:

• change your routine:  change the steps that lead up to the habit you want to break (e.g., take a different route home to avoid the fast-food restaurant)
• avoid triggers:  keep junkfood out of the house, off the kitchen counter, and away from where you watch television
• use smaller plates:  create a new habit of using smaller plates to restrict portion sizes
• eat at table:  create a new habit of sitting down at the table to eat (never eat on the go, in the car, or in front of the television)

Breaking bad habits is a powerful tool to change behavior.  Use it to create new habits and a leaner, healthier you!

Tip #1:  Make Reducing Stress a Priority

Since we know that stress can make us eat too much and eat the wrong stuff, we've got to reduce our stress levels.  Try these techniques to reduce stress:

• deep breathing:  when you feel stressed, practice deep breathing for several minutes until you feel your body slow down and relax
• calm music:  lie down, close your eyes and listen to calming music
• plan ahead:  anticipate stressful situations and plan ahead how to handle them to reduce stress
• time management:  keep demands on your time realistic; don't take on too much; complete tasks ahead of their deadlines

Too much stress makes us fat and sick.  Make stress reduction a priority today!

Use Stressbusters tips to put the brakes on cravings!

For more weight loss and healthy eating tips, order the book today.