Fran Spelgatti

Many of us have experienced cravings for unhealthy foods, only to give in and then feel guilty later. Even unhealthy foods won’t do harm in moderation and when balanced with a healthy diet. However, cravings usually lead to eating too much, too often. Cravings may also be a sign you have a food addiction.

People with food addictions use food the same way some use drugs or alcohol – to help rid themselves of headaches, insomnia, depression, boredom or other emotional problems. Certain foods – often carbohydrates – will make things better for a little while. That’s because some foods temporarily increase your serotonin, a body chemical that controls your mood. However, the symptoms eventually return and the cravings begin again.

A few common “craving triggers” include television, the Internet, work and parties. They’re all times when your usual defenses are down. For instance, you may be so engrossed in TV or in surfing the Internet that you submit to your cravings without even realizing it. The stress at work may make you reach for a snack to give you a temporary boost. At parties, you’re often surrounded by unhealthy foods, and you end up eating them without thinking about it or simply because everyone else is.

Though cravings are a problem for many people, whether they struggle with their weight or not, it is possible to overcome them. Here are a few tips for beating those little urges:

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol lowers your defenses, so you’re more likely to do things you wouldn’t normally do. This includes overeating and eating unhealthy foods.

Exercise. When you exercise, you’re less likely to experience cravings. This is because exercise raises serotonin levels in your body, giving you the boost you need without turning to unhealthy sweets or other snacks.

Choose substitutes. You know which foods you normally crave, so keep them out of your house or workspace. Instead, stock up on fruits and vegetables. It’s hard to overdo those!

Use your light and sound machine. Light and sound machines have been shown to boost serotonin levels by up to 21%, so using your light and sound machine will help give you the mood lift you’re looking for without resorting to unhealthy alternatives.

These are only a few of the strategies you can use to conquer your cravings. The point is you can do it. So go ahead, take back control.

If you’d like to learn more about this topic, or if you need help creating other strategies to deal with your cravings, ask your local Positive Changes® staff. If you don’t already attend a center, help is only a phone call away. Call 1-877-POSITIVE to find out more today.