Cravings are sometimes so strong and irresistible that a person cannot control them.
Humans usually have stronger cravings for foods high in carbohydrates or sugar, which are difficult to control. Sweet foods containing carbohydrates cause the release of serotonin, dopamine and endorphins in the brain, which make people feel good.
The effect of these foods may cause a person to repeatedly seek to repeat it, and the repetition of this behavior can become a habit to the point where a person consumes it without thinking.
The following strategies can help manage cravings for these foods.
Drinking water: The body can misinterpret the signals of the brain and what is felt is a food craving, which can be solved by drinking water.
Exercise: Researchers have found that exercise can reduce cravings for sweets.
Playing with the mind: One way to identify cravings with true hunger is to ask questions such as:
A: Do I want to eat fruit? This exercise is called the fruit test, in which a person can determine if he is really hungry or if he just wants sweets.
B: Is it worth using in the long run?
Visualizing the long-term consequences of sugary snacks can prevent overeating and reduce cravings.
Reducing stress
Avoiding hunger: Many dieters reduce their daily caloric intake too much or endure long periods of hunger, which can cause cravings for sweets.
Eat enough protein: Many people find that a balanced protein intake helps reduce hunger and cravings.
Chewing gum: In some people, chewing a piece of sugarless gum helps to reduce their cravings.