13 Ways to Get Back on Track

During holidays and any busy weekends filled with numerous social obligations, many people tend to consume more calories, fats and sugars. The busy times can contribute to people falling back into unhealthy eating habits and it can be difficult to get back on track.

Processed and high sugar foods can be very addictive and once you have reintroduced these foods into your diet you can easily start craving them again. Sugar is one of those foods where the more you eat, the more you want it. So I have listed some easy to follow guidelines to tackle those sweet cravings and get you back on track:

1.) Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas, as we know thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

2.) Drink fresh juice with natural sweetness from fruits and vegetables; this can cure the worst sugar cravings.

3.) Fill up on whole fruits and vegetables to reduce any cravings and keep you full for longer periods of time than processed foods.

4.) Eat regularly throughout the day to prevent low blood sugar therefore reducing binges.

5.) Get plenty of sleep to reduce cravings as fatigue will encourage low blood sugar levels which will increase your likely hood of reaching for those sugary snacks. Here is more on you snooze, you lose!

6.) Take your time and pay attention to what you’re eating, turn off the television, don’t sit at your work desk while eating and avoid other distractions. This has been shown to reduce overeating.

7.) Consume strong natural flavors such as fennel, radish, rocket (arugula), onions, ginger, garlic, mint and other culinary herbs. Drink licorice, fennel, ginger or peppermint tea. Strong flavors can counter the taste and craving for chocolate and sweets.

8.) Throw out or give away any chocolates, sweets or any other junk food that you know you should not be having. This is a powerful message to yourself, especially if you hate throwing away food. Is it really wasteful when it will end up being those extra kilos (or pounds) on you?

9.) Eat 100% cacao nibs or a high cacao chocolate, at least 85%; this will satisfy a chocolate craving very quickly as it contains plenty of antioxidants and nutrients. Here is a great healthy hot chocolate and chocolate sauce.

10.) Exercise will help reduce cravings and improve mood and energy levels.

11.) Consume plenty of dark green leafy vegetables for their high mineral content; this can reduce sugar cravings.

12.) Understand  what your cravings mean so you can combat them effectively.

13.) Know the Difference between hunger and appetite.

Last of all, don’t be too hard on yourself if you have eaten too much over the holiday or weekend! You can get back on track if you just put your mind to it.

Here are some delicious smart sweet recipes to have when you really want something sweet without all the refined processed junk!