We’ve all been there. You’re cruising along with your diet, feeling pretty good about it, and then, BAM, cravings hit like a freight train.
It’s not a slow burn either—it’s an all-out attack. One minute, you’re minding your own business, and the next, you’re staring at an empty chocolate wrapper (or two) and wondering how on earth it happened. Sound familiar?
It’s like there are two voices in your head. One says, “You don’t really need that chocolate, do you?” and the other one whispers, “Oh, go on. Just a little bit won’t hurt.” And we all know how that ends—because it’s never just a little bit, is it?
You step on the scales, see the damage, and boom—guilt, frustration, and anger hit like a tidal wave. You might even think, “Well, I’ve ruined it now. Might as well have chips for dinner and ice cream for dessert.” It’s a vicious cycle, and no matter how often it happens, it still feels like a personal defeat.
But here’s the thing—it’s not about greed or lack of self-control. Those cravings? They’re not just in your head. They’re part of a much bigger picture involving your body chemistry.
What’s Really Going On
Sometimes, sure, we eat out of boredom or because we’re emotional, but most of the time, cravings stem from a biochemical urge.
Your body isn’t just asking for that sugar—it’s demanding it. This isn’t about weak willpower; it’s about your body needing something specific, and it’s going to keep pestering you until it gets it.
Lots of diet experts will tell you to keep temptations out of sight. Clear out the cupboards, avoid the snack aisle, and hope for the best.
But anyone who’s dealt with real cravings knows this is like trying to hold your breath underwater—it’s not sustainable, and it’s certainly not pleasant. Worse, it sets you up for feeling guilty, angry, and like you’re being deprived.
So, what’s the solution? It’s not about locking up the biscuit tin—it’s about changing what your body craves in the first place. And no, it’s not as hard as it sounds.
Cravings are tied to blood sugar levels, and when those levels are all over the place, your body reacts by screaming for sugar.
But when you balance those blood sugar levels, something magical happens: those cravings start to disappear. Even those pesky premenstrual cravings can be tamed.
Blood Sugar: The Real Culprit
Most people who struggle with their weight have some sort of blood sugar imbalance. Blood sugar—basically the amount of sugar in your bloodstream—plays a massive role in both weight loss and maintenance.
When your levels go up and down like a rollercoaster, it messes with everything: cravings, mood, energy levels—you name it.
So, what can you do about it?
Here’s the game plan:
Do:
- Eat whole grains and unrefined carbs (think brown rice, oats, rye, etc.)
- Eat fruit (yes, you can have fruit!)
- Have breakfast every day. No exceptions.
- Eat small, regular meals—about every three hours is a good rule of thumb.
- Ditch stimulants like tea, coffee, soda, and anything sugary or artificially sweetened. They mess with your blood sugar big time.
- Consider adding a supplement that helps regulate blood sugar, especially while you’re adjusting your eating habits.
Don’t:
- Stay away from refined carbs. White bread, white flour, cakes, biscuits—all that stuff will send your blood sugar on a wild ride.
- Avoid sugar like the plague. It’s hidden in everything—sauces, yogurts, snacks—so check those labels.
- Don’t replace sugar with artificial sweeteners—they’re not doing you any favors.
- Steer clear of convenience foods. They’re usually packed with refined carbs, sugar, and a bunch of other junk your body doesn’t need.
The key here isn’t about restriction or deprivation—it’s about giving your body what it actually needs so it stops screaming for what it doesn’t.
You balance those blood sugar levels, and suddenly, the cravings aren’t running the show anymore. It’s about time, right?
And if you want more tips, check out Natural Alternatives to Dieting—it’s full of practical advice to help you ditch the cravings and stay on track.
For more advice you can trust, read Natural Alternatives to Dieting, available on Amazon (RRP £9.77, www.amazon.co.uk )