I went on a diet and lost over 20 pounds, but I've gained a
lot of it back because I can't stop eating everything I crave!
What can I do to stop cravings?
-
Alyssa*
Congrats on losing those 20 pounds in the first place! That took
a lot of hard work and determination, and you should feel good
about it. But once you've lost any amount of weight, the next
step is keeping it off. Maintaining that new weight is sometimes
harder than achieving it.
Cravings are very common, and the best way to control them is to
develop a plan to combat situations that might tempt you. For
example, if you crave fast food, instead of going into the
restaurant to order, use the drive-through and get small portions
to combat the temptation to order more. Think of other scenarios
that may test your resolve, such as going to parties or eating when
stressed or bored. Plan how you will react in these situations so
you won't succumb to the cravings.
Another way to curb cravings: When you crave a certain type of
food, substitute it with a healthier option. For example, if
you're dying for something salty, grab a couple of whole-wheat
pretzels instead of potato chips.
Once you realize that you can cope with your cravings,
you'll be able to move on. If you give in once in a while,
don't beat yourself up about it - just get back on track. And
don't forget to continue to be active and eat healthy.
For more information, check out these articles:
Body Mass Index (BMI)
How Can I Lose Weight Safely?
How Much Food Should I Eat?
Eating Well While Eating Out
Figuring Out Fat and Calories
Smart Snacking
Smart Supermarket Snacking
Reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: June 2007
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*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
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