Curb Cravings Without Eating A Thing

Before insane urges force you to eat more than you'd like, make sure it's really your appetite talking and not something else entirely.

The human brain has a tendency to fire off an " I need to eat" message in response to emotions and situations that have nothing to do with appetite and constantly misreading that cue and chewing down can pack an extra pounds. The trick is to learn what your body is trying to tell you and what kind of fix your system truly needs. These tips will help you avoid loads of calories in the easiest way possible.

You're Stressed.
Food, on the other hand, is an almost instant reward, especially if you get it by speed-eating through the fridge or racing out to the nearest fast-food joint. It's such a natural way to pamper yourself that nutritionists say many women subconsciously start to associate feeling overwhelmed or overworked with a trip to the food court or plate of fries.

Scarfing all that junk won’t really satisfy you, though. When you’re stressed, you’re actually less likely to savor the taste of your food or respond to feelings of fullness. So, pop in a piece of gum instead. It can help you in two ways: Some expert claim that chewing is calming, and you’ll sidestep those calories that you wouldn’t have enjoyed anyway.

You’re Exhausted
Ever notice that you’re desperate for sugary and carb-loaded foods that after a bad (or short) night of sleep? That’s because when you’re dragging, your body craves a jolt of energy and a sweet snack often delivers an instant boost.

Thing is, not only does your body not need the calories, but indulging in something sweet and junky will actually make you feel more tired, since sugar-energy highs are followed by rapid energy plunges. Instead, wake yourself up when you’re feeling beat with a quick burst of exercise- a 20 minute gym routine or a brisk walk. Then, plan to better manage your fatigue next time, by either getting to bed half an hour earlier or taking a power nap.

You Worked Out
Exercising depletes your body’s protein, which may explain why you sometimes want to chow down on meat right after clocking time on the treadmill. But, that craving doesn’t mean you have to eat a mega meal. Instead of inhaling hundreds of calories (and negating the hard work you put in at the gym), satisfy your protein need by drinking a glass of non-fat milk. One cup has just 86 calories but enough protein to quell your urges ‘til it’s time for lunch or dinner.

You’re Procrastinating
Women often eat to delay making a tough decision or to put off an unwanted task. Nutritionist say we tend to choose food over things, like watching TV or going online, because those types of activities seem like a waste of time and “real” procrastination, whereas eating doesn’t.

You’re Thirsty
Hunger and thirst fire off nearly identical messages in the brain, so our bodies often confuse the need to drink with the need to eat. If you ate recently but are suddenly jonesing for some solid sustenance, the explanation is probably dehydration. That’s why nutritionists say the first thing to do when you’re craving food is drink water. Guzzle it down, and wait for about 10 minutes; that lingering hunger will probably fade.

You’re Bored
We migrate to the kitchen when we have nothing to do because, well, it’s something to do – something fun and pleasurable to boot. If you can’t get out of the house or away from your desk and you start fantasizing about chips, ice cream, do something competitive, like playing a video or online game. It’ll entertain you and keep your hands too busy to reach for food.