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How to control junk food cravings in order to reach your health goals
Updated: 11:50 PM EDT Apr 23, 2024
Food cravings, often driven by emotions, can be a significant obstacle to achieving health goals, particularly weight loss.”Our emotions do impact how we eat. It’s why they’re called comfort foods, stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, even boredom can trigger these harmful eating habits like overeating poor food choices,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon.Dr. Gupta explains that intense feelings such as stress cause our bodies to produce hormones that make us crave comfort food. “Find an outlet for your stress. Exercise, nature walks, meditation, time with family and friends,” Dr. Gupta advised.He also recommends taking a tea break. Sipping tea can help curb emotional cravings. “That means foods that keep your hands moving, popcorn, vegetables and a healthy dip,” Dr. Gupta explained, referring to what he calls “busy snacks.”Pre-portioning favorite snacks can prevent overeating, and keeping tempting snacks out of reach or not buying them at all can also help. “No shame in seeking help if what you’re doing isn’t working. Talk to a professional about your emotions and how they might be impacting your dietary choices,” Dr. Gupta said, suggesting that professional help can be sought if these strategies are not effective.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that it’s acceptable to indulge in comfort foods occasionally. They recommend trying a lower-calorie version of the foods you crave, eating smaller amounts, or simply cutting back. Instead of consuming these foods daily, try having them weekly or monthly.
Food cravings, often driven by emotions, can be a significant obstacle to achieving health goals, particularly weight loss.
“Our emotions do impact how we eat. It’s why they’re called comfort foods, stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, even boredom can trigger these harmful eating habits like overeating poor food choices,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon.
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Dr. Gupta explains that intense feelings such as stress cause our bodies to produce hormones that make us crave comfort food.
“Find an outlet for your stress. Exercise, nature walks, meditation, time with family and friends,” Dr. Gupta advised.
He also recommends taking a tea break. Sipping tea can help curb emotional cravings.
“That means foods that keep your hands moving, popcorn, vegetables and a healthy dip,” Dr. Gupta explained, referring to what he calls “busy snacks.”
Pre-portioning favorite snacks can prevent overeating, and keeping tempting snacks out of reach or not buying them at all can also help.
“No shame in seeking help if what you’re doing isn’t working. Talk to a professional about your emotions and how they might be impacting your dietary choices,” Dr. Gupta said, suggesting that professional help can be sought if these strategies are not effective.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that it’s acceptable to indulge in comfort foods occasionally. They recommend trying a lower-calorie version of the foods you crave, eating smaller amounts, or simply cutting back. Instead of consuming these foods daily, try having them weekly or monthly.
