7 Ways to Curb Cravings ...

By Erin

Beyonce does it. So does Cameron Diaz. Eating five or more «small meals,» (or snacks) per day has become the norm for many celebrities (along with owning small dogs and going gluten-free). But for us normal girls, the standard breakfast, lunch and dinner combination seems to work well enough—and unnecessary snacking in between meals only leads to disappointment and a tighter fit in our skinny jeans. To curb even the toughest cravings, follow the steps below!

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1

Distract Yourself

If you feel a craving coming on (say, you want to devour the ice cream in your fridge), sit down and write a To-Do list. Writing down all of the things you need to do—like laundry or cleaning your apartment—will make you think less about what your stomach wants and more about what you need to do. Not only will you distract yourself from tempting food, but you’ll also be productive!

2

Kill Temptation

It’s impossible to control what a host will serve on a party platter, but it’s your own fault if you choose to keep your fridge stocked with unhealthy choices. Don’t keep a bowl of candy in your living room for guests—the only person who will ever tap into it is you! Fill your grocery cart with items that are good for you (think fruit, veggies and high-fiber options). If there is nothing crave-worthy in your reach, you’ll be less likely to snack.

3

Stay Hydrated

Keep your belly full not with treats, but with H20. If you feel a crave coming on, try sipping on a glass of water instead. Drinking water can help you feel full, and thus satisfied eating less. To give yourself a little leeway, add a low-calorie package of Crystal Light, Propel or Emergan-C to add a bit of flavor and satisfy your sweet tooth without the extra calories.

4

Freshen up

Nothing curbs a craving quite like a clean mouth. Keep breath mints, mouthwash or gum on you at all times. Giving yourself that minty-fresh feeling will make you less likely to ruin it with a salty or sweet treat. As an added bonus, you won’t scare anyone away with dragon breath!

5

Get Caffeinated

Rather than reaching for a candy bar, reach for a cup of tea or coffee instead. Avoid a high-calorie latte—stick to the basics (and use skim milk!). The caffeine may not totally curb your craving, but it will provide you with some calories and fill you up. Plus, caffeine boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories everyday!

Famous Quotes

To give oneself earnestly to the duties due to men, and, while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, may be called wisdom.

Confucius
6

Walk It out

Walking will not only take your mind off your latest craving, but it will also remove you from the situation (or the piece of chocolate). If you’re at home, take a power walk around the block. If you’re at a party, take a lap around the room. Chances are you’ll see someone you know, and viola! You now have another obligation (and distraction) from tempting food.

7

Use a Lifeline

Salivating over a leftover piece of cake in your fridge is no way to spend your Saturday afternoon. Give your mom, girlfriend or co-worker a call—either to catch up or to propose a fun outing. Whatever you chose to do, the conversation (or activity) will get your mind off those extra pounds wrapped up in a shiny package.

If all else fails, «repeat this to yourself: a minute at the lips, but a lifetime on the hips.» Giving in is NOT worth it! Have you used any of these tips before? What works for you?

Top Image Source: weheartit.com

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