How to prevent unhealthy food cravings

Whether it's for sweet, salty, savoury, or a combination of all three, we all have certain food cravings we feel powerless against.

When are your worst food cravings? Many people report the mid-afternoon slump their Achilles heel, while others succumb to late-night munching.

Whenever your food cravings hit, consider that it's not really chocolate brownies or salty French fries your body needs at that moment in time. Your body most likely didn't receive enough protein at the last snack or meal, and now your body wants you to fuel it up as quickly as possible.

It's protein that helps the body feel satisfied for a longer period of time.

Protein: Your weapon against unhealthy food cravings
Scientific studies have shown that an inadequate amount of protein at mealtimes can result in cravings in between meals. Here are some healthy easy suggestions for adding protein into your daily meals:

Breakfast boosts: It's quick and easy to include eggs, yogurt, milk or nuts at breakfast time for a protein boost.

Lunch protein: Meat, canned fish, tofu, cheese and poultry are all simple, portable additions to lunch. Don't forget beans - they can be pureed into a spread or thrown into a bowl as a simple salad with a bit of celery and feta on top.

Snack attack: If late nights cause your mouth to water, maybe it's legitimately time for another small meal. A few crackers or an apple with cheese, some hummus, a handful of nuts or a flavoured yogurt will go a long way to make you feel satiated and help avoid a bag of chips or cookies.

Small servings of food containing protein eaten over the course of the day will help end those relentless food cravings and keep your healthy weight goals on track.

Don't let unhealthy food cravings pull you away from your weight loss goals. Learn more about how to prevent food cravings at yourhealthyweight.ca >>