Stop those cravings in their tracks!!

You've just had lunch, but someone in the office decided to make popcorn.  Now your nose is filled with the buttery smell of popcorn!  Nothing else matters now, you need popcorn!  It's actually calling you by name.  Next thing you know, you're wrist deep in the bowl of buttery goodness and then the guilt sets in.  What the heck just happened, you weren't even hungry!  Nearly 90% of women experience these kind of strong food cravings.

Eating this buttery popcorn every once in awhile is not something to be concerned about, but when 'once in a while' becomes daily, it's time to stop the madness and get yourself under control.  Sometimes willpower isn't all that you need.  Cravings are driven by the brain chemical dopamine and your brain seeks that rush over and over again.  If you want to stop these cravings in their tracks, you need a game plan.  Knowing what triggers your cravings is the first step. Not sure what your triggers are?  Answer these simple questions.

1. Are you under a lot of Stress?
2. Have you been skipping meals or under eating in general?
3. Are you drinking enough water?
4. Are you bored?
5. Have you been getting enough quality sleep at night?
6. Are you in a rut (personally, professionally?)
7. Do you really just want some popcorn?

By being able to identify your true feelings, you can work on separating those feelings from the food itself.  Planning ahead is key!  If you know after lunch you get bored and need a little something, pack an extra snack (fruit for sweet cravings; and carrots for something crunchy).  Being prepared will help you from those tempting items your co-workers bring in on a daily basis!

I have 5 tips to Stopping those cravings in their tracks! 

1. Schedule your Workouts!!  If you're working out daily, you'll be less likely to eat the crap!  Mentally you'll want to keep on a healthy path if you've done your workout first thing in the morning.  
2. Drink your H2O!! Drinking at least half your body weight in oz's will help fill you up!  Most of the time when we think we are hungry, we are actually dehydrated.  Take a water bottle with you everywhere you go. My favorite is the Britta Filter built-in water bottle.  You can fill it up anywhere you are and know you're getting filtered, quality water, so there's no excuse not to drink up!  Next time you feel like reaching for a unhealthy snack, grab your water bottle instead!
3. Live by the 80/20 Rule!!  Eating Clean 80% of the time and allowing yourself to have some cheats here and there is more attainable!  That will aid you in making this a lifestyle and not just a diet.  Eating Clean 100% of the time isn't easy to maintain, but if you're allowing yourself to go out with friends, or have a slice of pizza here and there, you'll be more likely to stick with it!  You'll actually find overtime that your cravings change.  Your body will be so use to getting all the nutrition it needs, you might actually start to crave healthy foods...did I just say that?!!  
4. Drink Shakeology Daily!!  This is a non-negligible for me!  Shakeology helps with curbing your cravings by providing your body with all the nutrients and vitamins it needs.  I wake up craving my shake, and if I miss it, my body feels sluggish.  I lack energy and focus needed to get through my busy day.  I've also found that when I miss my shake in the morning, I tend to eat more junk food.  Invest in this shake and you'll definitely see and feel the results!
5. Get your ZZZ's!!  We all know sleep is important.  When we're sleep deprived, we are more likely to reach for the junk!  Make sure you're getting 6-8 hours of a night so your body can preform at it's very best every single day!!

By incorporating these 5 tips into your daily life, you'll be sure to notice a difference in your cravings!  Live your life!  If you want that cookie, or popcorn, go for it.  Just don't let it control your life!  Sometimes food becomes our go-to when we don't know what else to do.  That's not healthy.  Hopefully these tips will help you on your fitness journey!

Your Friend in Fitness, 

Brittany