According to University of Michigan (UM) researchers, fares that are highly processed like pizza and ice-cream an easily become addictive. This is because of the food cravings that they cause.
“These foods have lots of fat, sugar and refined grains; all of which have an influence on blood sugar levels and release serotonin, which quickly converts to sleep-inducing melatonin,” says Libby Mills of UM.
So, if you feel good one moment, then tired and deflated the next, this could be the reason. You crave a quick-fix and end up taking in more fats, sugar and refined carbs. Here are three ways to break the cycle and give your junk food cravings the boot:
1. Pause!
Before you dig in to your stash of chocolates, assess your hunger. Ask yourself if you’re just eating because it’s there or because you’re really hungry. If you really are starving, opt for a healthier snack or meal. Tell yourself that you will have a small bite of chocolate later after eating something healthier.
2. Plan
Do not ignore your cravings! If you do, you’ll only end up binging. So, treat yourself with a small serving and take time to enjoy your treat. Also, always keep healthier choices such as hummus and celery sticks. They’ll fill you up and get rid of the roller coaster effects.
3. Savour
When you do have a slice of pizza or a doughnut, pay attention to the aroma and how visually appealing the food is. Allow yourself to absorb the variation of texture and taste rather than just quickly scarfing it down. This will help you feel satisfied and in control.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you decide to eat junk food!
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