Tips From A Nutrition Coach: How to Manage Cravings and Snacking Habits

Overcome Your Cravings And Bad Snacking Habits

Managing cravings and snacking habits can be a challenging task, especially when you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily understand and manage your cravings and bad snacking habits, without compromising on your health goals.

1. Identify the root cause of your cravings
   The first step to managing your cravings is to identify the root cause. Are you genuinely hungry or just bored? Are you stressed, anxious or tired? Do you have an emotional attachment to a particular food? Understanding the cause of your cravings will help you manage them better. For example, if you’re bored, try engaging in a hobby or activity that you enjoy. If you’re stressed or anxious, practice deep breathing or meditation to help calm your mind.
    
2. Eat a balanced diet
   Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is key to managing cravings. Focus on incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in your diet. This will help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods, reducing your cravings for unhealthy snacks.
    
3. Stay hydrated
   Dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking. Therefore, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal tea or other non-caloric beverages is important. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
    
4. Plan your meals and snacks
   Planning your meals and snacks in advance can help you avoid impulsive snacking. Create a weekly meal plan and grocery list, so you always have healthy options on hand. And pack healthy snacks, such as cut-up veggies or fruit, nuts, or seeds, to take with you on the go.
   
   Are you looking for some delicious healthy snack options? Read Great Snack Ideas For Weight Loss.
    
5. Practice mindful eating
   Mindful eating is a technique that involves paying attention to your food and the sensations of eating, without distraction. When you eat mindfully, you’re more likely to notice when you’re full, which can help prevent overeating and snacking. To practice mindful eating, focus on your food, savour each bite, and take your time to chew and swallow.
    
6. Keep unhealthy snacks out of sight
   Out of sight, out of mind. Keeping unhealthy snacks out of sight can help reduce the temptation to snack. Store them in a high cupboard or out of reach, or better yet, don’t buy them in the first place. Instead, opt for healthier snack options such as veggies and hummus, fruit and nut butter, or air-popped popcorn.
    
7. Practice portion control
   Portion control is important when managing snacking habits. It’s easy to mindlessly snack on a whole bag of chips or cookies, but it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re consuming. Instead of snacking straight out of the bag, portion out a reasonable serving size and put the rest away.
    
8. Don’t deprive yourself
   Deprivation often leads to binging, which can make managing cravings and snacking habits even harder. It’s okay to indulge in your favourite treats occasionally, as long as it’s in moderation. Instead of completely eliminating your favourite foods, try incorporating them into your diet in smaller portions.
   Are you exploring your options for weight loss programs? Read What Should You Look For In A Weight Loss Program?
    

Eat Your Way To Weight Loss With A Jensen Nutrition Coach

Managing cravings and snacking habits is all about creating healthy habits and being mindful of your choices. By incorporating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, planning meals and snacks, practicing mindful eating, keeping unhealthy snacks out of sight, practicing portion control, and indulging in moderation, you can easily manage your cravings and snacking habits without compromising on your weight loss goals.

A Jensen Fitness weight loss program can help you reach your goals for healthy weight loss. When you partner with a personal trainer and nutrition coach, these experienced fitness guides will help you learn about health while understanding the needs of your body. Through weight loss, you can take back control over your body and live a longer, more active life.

At Jensen Fitness, personal training, nutrition coaching, and weight loss programs will provide you with all of the support you need to achieve your personal goals while helping you sustain your new healthy habits for the long term and improve your overall health. To start your weight loss or fitness journey, contact our team of personal trainers in SE Calgary by calling 1-403-200-0199 or by filling out our online contact form.