| Craving Control |
We've all had them.
Some more than others.
Like Mohr Results own, Kara Mohr, who is due in just 16 days...pregnancy cravings. While I was never making 3 AM trips to McDonald's to pick up a Big Mac and fries for her, there were surely a few times Kara was a little more excited about certain foods than usual.
Ice cream anyone?
And just earlier I was talking with a weight loss client who had a stressful day at work. Her solution? March on down to the vending machine...
...to get FIFTEEN mini-chocolate bars to go head to head with her stress.
Guess who won?
You're right, the stress. Because now, she was even MORE stressed that it got to the point of actually buying, unwrapping, and eating 15 chocolate bars...and in her mind, the associated weight gain and negative self talk.
What is the answer, then, if stress "calls" and hard core cravings kick in?
There's actually some science behind what's going on in the body. And weight loss pills are not involved.You see, there are brain chemicals that influence mood, behavior, appetite, motivation, pleasure, and even reward...
...so these chemicals are responsible for some pretty good things too and not just the negative stressors in our lives.
Two of the primary brain chemicals are: serotonin and dopamine. Interestingly, these can both be affected by sleep (or lack of), hunger, nutrition, exercise, and even sunlight.
Let's dissect each of them.Serotonin is often called "the feel good brain chemical." That being said, lack of sleep and sunlight, and poor nutrition all result in lower levels of serotonin.
Coincidentally, when you're tired and hungry, you don't make clear decisions - maybe even turning to useless weight loss pills!
In terms of food intake - you're likely to overeat, or at least eat something, anything in your path. And these usually aren't the best choices.
Dopamine is also a feel good brain chemical - when you're excited about something, or even excited about the anticipation of something positive, dopamine levels rise.
But, things like sugar, alcohol, and caffeine can zap dopamine right in its tracks.
That's partly why eating a sugary food or meal gives you a quick "high" and then a subsequent drop, causing you to crave more for that positive association.
Same with caffeine and alcohol.
Which is one reason, of many, that we suggest you don't rely on any of those. Sure, enjoy an occasional drink, and moderate amounts of caffeine, but we don't suggest relying on them for your "daily high."
You know what else works wonders? Exercise - partly the reason why it boosts mood - and why we suggest it first thing in the morning.
There's also some science behind certain foods and how they affect your mood.
We'll call them "Mood Modifiers."
The science is a bit loose with particular foods that boost levels of serotonin and dopamine, but we surely know high sugar, alcohol, and caffeine can lower them.
More important than eating certain foods, though, here are 5 simple strategies to take control of your cravings.
- Get sufficient sleep - 7-9 hours each night is the goal. And if you're dosing off at your desk during the day, don't reach for a Red Bull, or candy bar, close your office door and take a 20 minute power nap. This will do much more for youthan loading up with sugar and caffeine.
- Plan ahead - you're going to learn more about an exciting fat loss program we're finalizing right now - let's just say 10.4 lbs in 21 days - but the key is always thinking one step ahead.You never want to be caught "with your pants down" so to speak.
- Exercise- exercise releases feel good hormones to keep ya' going.
- Let the craving pass - Kara calls this "urge management" - very simply, the longer you let the craving go, the better you will be at continuing to put it behind you.
- Replace- replace a food craving with a healthy activity - go outside for a 10 minute walk during the day, talk with a friend, do anything outside of giving in to that regular craving.
| For more information about healthy eating and incorporating a variety of nutrients in the diet, check out: |
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| Mohr Results - Is Your Grocery Store Making You Fat? DVD |
Mohr Results - Is Your Kitchen Making You Fat? DVD! |
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