Do you have silent face-off s with those gooey iced cookies at the C-Store or daily appointments with a caramel macchiato that you just cannot bear to cancel? Does The Grille staff know you by name? Do you impulsively attend every event that offers free food?
Learning how to control cravings can be a daily struggle, especially on a college campus like Rollins. But the good news is that it does not have to be. Study these Rollins tips to practice mind over munchies.
First of all, learn to decode your cravings. Do you drool over something sweet, salty, crunchy or creamy? Once you identify which foods you crave, you can choose a satisfying alternative. Trade that heavy chocolate milkshake for some creamy frozen yogurt, or swap those fried mozzarella sticks for pretzels sticks. Each minor change that you make has the potential to graduate into a new habit.
Another big tip for conquering cravings is to avoid patterns that trigger binges. Are you a post-class snacker? Try a new route from class that does not pass by your usual food pit stop. As soon as a craving hits, focus on your breathing. It is important to think about what your body is telling you.
Are you eating out of stress from an upcoming exam or frustration with a friend? Don’t ignore the craving; just make sure you are legitimately hungry. Take a moment to figure it out.
But … sometimes you just have to have it. The oily crunch of late night curly fries is nearly as seductive as Channing Tatum. This is where portion control comes to the rescue. To avoid overindulging, give your cravings time to pass. Occupy 20 minutes or so by talking with a friend or going for a brisk walk down Holt Avenue. Chances are you will have moved on by then.
Go ahead and treat yourself if you must, because cutting out a food you love only makes you want it more. Once you decide on a mouth-watering morsel, pace yourself. Find a comfortable spot to sit down at a table and relish every bite. Make sure to pay close attention because your taste buds will get worn out after each bite, so each mouthful is less delicious than the last. Stop when the flavor falters. But it feels so good to eat! So you take another bite. And another. For most people, the signal to stop munching arrives too late. You start feeling stuffed and queasy.
It does not have to be this way. Waddling to Zumba shrouded in guilt does not have to be the answer. You really can control cravings if you put your mind to it! Just decode your appetite, slow down and focus on what your body is telling you.
Finally, keep in mind that it is wise to start small. Conquering your morning pancakes, afternoon chips, and evening ice cream could be biting off more than you can chew. Tackle one craving at a time and follow through before moving on to the next goal. Now go show that junk who’s boss!
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