2008 Woodie Awards
A quick guide to crunch those cravings
By: Carrie Richmond
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Entertainment & Features
Carrie Richmond
Staff Writer
Try these three steps when fighting the urge to satisfy those in-between meal cravings.
1. Wait it out. Studies have found that cravings generally last only seven to 15 minutes. So, by waiting at least 15 minutes, many lose their cravings for certain foods entirely.
But what do you do after 15 minutes have passed and you are still starring at the brownies your roommate's mother sent? Move to step two.
2. Drink a bottle of water. Drinking a bottle of water during a craving will fill and hydrate you.
Many people confuse being dehydrated with being hungry. Always try drinking a glass or bottle of water before step three. This ensures that thirst signals are not being confused as hunger signals.
Wait at least another 10 minutes after drinking the water, and if the nasty craving still persists, move to step three.
3. Have a protein snack. Protein is good for you, and is very filling.
The snack should not be overly indulgent, but it should hold you over until the craving passes for good. By over indulgent, I mean you should not eat a twenty-ounce bag of nuts because that defeats the purpose of stomping cravings.
Good examples of high protein snacks are a handful of mixed nuts, low-fat yogurt, baby carrot sticks, celery sticks or maybe even a protein bar.
Congratulations, you have defeated your craving.
However, in the off chance that all three steps did not work for someone, I'll leave you one more.
A fourth and final task that is guaranteed to beat the worst of all cravings. You waited, guzzled water, had a nice protein snack and still want the brownie. What now? Stand up. Put on your walking shoes and leave.
A nice walk - away from your brownie - will not only take you farther away from your craving but also give you a boost of energy and get your mind off your dessert.
If you don't feel like a walk, get out of the room by going down the hall to visit a friend, play a game or make a phone call. I would suggest also - if the brownie is yours - throw it away. Then, its temptations are gone for good.
Staff Writer
Try these three steps when fighting the urge to satisfy those in-between meal cravings.
1. Wait it out. Studies have found that cravings generally last only seven to 15 minutes. So, by waiting at least 15 minutes, many lose their cravings for certain foods entirely.
But what do you do after 15 minutes have passed and you are still starring at the brownies your roommate's mother sent? Move to step two.
2. Drink a bottle of water. Drinking a bottle of water during a craving will fill and hydrate you.
Many people confuse being dehydrated with being hungry. Always try drinking a glass or bottle of water before step three. This ensures that thirst signals are not being confused as hunger signals.
Wait at least another 10 minutes after drinking the water, and if the nasty craving still persists, move to step three.
3. Have a protein snack. Protein is good for you, and is very filling.
The snack should not be overly indulgent, but it should hold you over until the craving passes for good. By over indulgent, I mean you should not eat a twenty-ounce bag of nuts because that defeats the purpose of stomping cravings.
Good examples of high protein snacks are a handful of mixed nuts, low-fat yogurt, baby carrot sticks, celery sticks or maybe even a protein bar.
Congratulations, you have defeated your craving.
However, in the off chance that all three steps did not work for someone, I'll leave you one more.
A fourth and final task that is guaranteed to beat the worst of all cravings. You waited, guzzled water, had a nice protein snack and still want the brownie. What now? Stand up. Put on your walking shoes and leave.
A nice walk - away from your brownie - will not only take you farther away from your craving but also give you a boost of energy and get your mind off your dessert.
If you don't feel like a walk, get out of the room by going down the hall to visit a friend, play a game or make a phone call. I would suggest also - if the brownie is yours - throw it away. Then, its temptations are gone for good.
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