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How to Control Your Holiday Cravings

Where Do Cravings Start?

Food cravings are an unavoidable part of life. They can originate from a number of sources, such as hormone imbalances, chronic stress, or lack of nutrients or physical activity. When the holidays come around, cravings seem to get stronger. The sights and smells of the season remind us of our fond childhood memories, making it difficult to separate our emotions from the physical need for food. Have you found yourself with strong cravings around the holidays? Consuming too many simple carbohydrates can produce an overload of glucose and spike your blood sugar. This will only leave you wanting more, so don’t be too hard on yourself this time of year! Use this opportunity to create healthy eating habits that can stop cravings in their tracks.  

Four Tips to Manage Cravings

Food is the fuel that keeps your body running, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it too. All you need to learn is how to balance the food you love and the food that your body needs. Around the holidays, we find ourselves taking larger portions and eating unhealthy holiday snacks. With these tips, you can learn how to manage your cravings this holiday season.  

1. Practice Mindful Eating

Snacking during the holidays is so common because it is easy to become distracted by the festivities. You may be so distracted that you don’t even realize how much you’ve been eating. By practicing mindful eating, you’ll bring your attention to your chewing and become more aware of your senses. By focusing on your eating, you’ll become aware of just how much you’re eating and whether or now you’re chewing enough. Did you know that the goal of chewing is to liquify your food before swallowing? This actually helps with digestion and the feeling of satiation of fullness.  

2. Keep An Eye on Your Snacking and Water Intake

The recommended amount of water you should be drinking is 6 to 8 glasses a day. By hitting this goal, and keeping healthy snacks close by, you can actually help reduce your cravings. Something great that is both delicious and healthy is veggies and some hummus. Also, paying close attention to your snacking and water intake will help you determine if you’re physically hungry or emotionally hungry. If you’re physically hungry, a snack and a glass of water will be all you need to make you feel better.  

3. Enjoy Your Family and Friends and the Holiday Spirit

Holidays are a great time because of all the wonderful food, but the true spirit of the holidays can be found in spending time with family. Although you may want to try all the amazing holiday treats, focus on being present with your family and friends enjoying the time spent together. Obviously, you should try the food too, but make it count. Pay attention to what you’re eating and how much. Once you’re full, take a break and don’t indulge, no matter how many times grandma offers you another cookie.  

4. Get Moving After Meals

There are studies that have shown that getting up and moving around after a meal can help manage food cravings and even promote weight loss. In one study, participants who walked for five minutes every hour significantly reduced their food cravings compared to those who did not interrupt their sitting time. It can be tempting to sit around with family after you’ve finished your big holiday meal, but maybe this year is the best time to start a new tradition. After you eat, get everyone up and outside for a quick walk together.  

Get Started With WildBerryMD Today!

Cravings may be hard to handle during the holiday season, but don’t let that derail your weight loss journey. If you need help managing your cravings or losing weight, then don’t hesitate to contact WildBerryMD. With our great programs and products, such as Semaglutide (GLP-1), you can discover a new approach to weight loss and healthy living. If you’re ready to manage the holiday cravings, contact us today!