The 3 W’s to Crush your Cravings

If you’re reading this, then you probably want to know how to overcome your cravings…! 

“Once I start I can’t stop!” is what you are thinking when I say a certain food like chocolate, chips, candy etc. Then the more we have of something, the more we literally crave it. These cravings get so intense, and we try to ignore them, but we end up giving in and eat more than we would have hoped. Now comes the guilt and the restriction and the cycle continues!

Having cravings is normal; but having extreme feelings and wanting something ALL the time is a different situation. There’s nothing wrong with snacking and indulging on occasion. This is NOT about restriction, but rather being back in control of your food choices.

How we do overcome the mental pull of cravings & not give in every time we have a fleeting desire?!

Follow the 3 Ws: Why, Water, and Wait!

Ask WHY: Many people reach for sugar, carbs or other comfort foods for reasons besides actual physical hunger. A huge area that I work with my clients on is mindfulness eating. We need to start acknowledging automatic behaviors and habits, like taking a bite from your kid’s plate, or having some wine before dinner. You probably don’t even realize you are doing these things!

So when you start to get a craving, sit with this for a minute. WHY do you want to eat? What will happen when you have this? What will happen if you don’t? Are you using food/drink to fill a void or to feel a certain emotion? This is uncomfortable but SO important.

Water: Many times dehydration can mask as mild hunger and cravings. We made up of over 66% water, so we need it more than we do food! Have water with you throughout the day and have a full glass if you start to feel cravings.

Wait: Many times these cravings are actually just learned habits. So first pause and sit ask why. Then avoid automatic behavior, by walking away from the trigger food or environment. Give yourself 15 minutes and see if the craving was just temporary based on habit, social pressure or environment. And if you do REALLY still want it, then enjoy and move on. But many times you’ll find that you didn’t really want it as much as you thought you did!

Need help with your nutrition or needing accountability to work through these cravings or other health struggles? Let’s talk! 

I help clients gain confidence & create a healthy relationship with food with personalized & realistic lifestyle changes.You CAN lose weight, feel more energized and ENJOY your meals all at the same time! 

Send me a message below or email me directly (allisonbergstromfitness@yahoo.com) and let’s chat about how I can help you make sustainable changes and get results that LAST!