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My monthly cravings are killing my diet. Any tips? |
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Most of us, at some point, experience food cravings, albeit sugar, carbohydrates, or salt. Most of us fall into one of the three categories. Once you have decided which category you are in, it gets easier. But first, why do have cravings. A woman’s monthly cycle is self explanatory, hormones. The good news is that it is consistent and happens each month, which makes it predictable and manageable. If this is your case, begin to clock your cycle and when the first sign of your monthly craving hits, take action. First, fight bloat (which makes everything worse) by getting physical; sweat. Dress with sweat in mind, lots of layers and get moving. By losing a bit of the bloat you feel more in control. Next, if it is salt you crave, spice it up. Replace high fat, salty meals/snacks (usually it is chips) with salsa. Try baked tortillas with some yummy salsa. At meal time, increase your protein and decrease carbs. NO fried foods. Cook with spice. Saute chicken in marinara or salsa. Take out the bread and pasta during that week. By decreasing carbohydrates (pasta and bread) you will not retain as much water. Another reason for cravings is fatigue. If your energy dips during the day, you may need energy food. We often turn to chocolate or sugar for the ‘pick me up,’ but that makes matters worse. Candy/sugar forces your blood sugar to rise and fall quickly and as a result, your energy level mimics a roller coaster. Best bet for energy during the day is more protein, i.e., yogurt, protein bar, nuts. Feel a need for salt? Go for pretzels or baked chips. Cravings are normal, but if you give into them often, you will not be able to maintain a healthy weight. Cravings may also be the reason for roller coaster moods. Don’t mistake cravings for a lack of willpower. Cravings are often the result of hormones and bad patterns of eating. Arm yourself by being prepared. Store snacks at work and keep a log on monthly hormones cycles. It’s not all in our heads, it has a great deal to do with chemistry. If you begin to understand how sugar affects your body, you will be more apt to eat out of a concern for your health and not your cravings.
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