Shortly after I converted to the raw vegan diet, I began thinking more critically about food. In so doing, I have come to realize that the human experience of craving unhealthy food is often a central factor that precludes people from eating well and thereby obtaining the optimal wellness that makes life productive and fun. In recognizing that food cravings often preclude people from becoming healthy, I have compiled three strategies that can help you overcome your tendency to eat food products that are not good for you:
1. Find A Replacement.
Oftentimes our craving for a specific food is not necessarily about that food but rather the taste or nutritional content it contains. For example, I used to love chocolate mint energy bars as a result of the fact that I enjoy the taste of chocolate. Yet there are a plethora of healthier options I could choose from while satisfying my desire for chocolate at the same time. One example would be a banana smoothie with carob powder mixed in. In addition to tasting like chocolate, this recipe would afford me great nutritional benefits such as the potassium and fiber that bananas come with. If you find yourself craving something like salt, celery could be a great alternative to a food item that contains dangerously high amounts of sodium.
2. Drink Water.
Oftentimes our cravings for certain foods are rooted in the fact that we are thirsty rather than hungry. Since this is the case, you should make staying hydrated integral to whatever diet plan you choose. To help facilitate this process for myself, I purchased a water bottle from my local Wal-Mart and now use it consistently. There are a variety of different views regarding how much water we should be consuming daily, so be sure to read up on the subject and consider how you feel to draw conclusions about the ideal amount for you to drink daily.
3. Think About Why What You’re Eating Is Unhealthy.
In some cases, understanding how unhealthy the food we’re craving really is can prevent us from continually consuming it. One of the food cravings that I overcame when I converted to the raw vegan diet was energy bars such as those made by Clif Bars and Luna. I was under the impression that they were healthy and also appreciated the fact that they were highly portable and precluded me from having to cook. Yet my research has shown me that energy bars are not particularly good for me, especially since they are loaded with additives and preservatives as well as unnatural sugars. Whatever your unhealthy food craving may be, thinking critically about why it is unhealthy can help decrease your desire to consume it. If you find that you’re craving something like pizza, think about the fact that cheese is a dairy product that the body responds to by creating mucus to protect itself.
Conclusion
If you are trying to eat healthier but find that persistent food cravings preclude you from doing so, consider implementing the strategies I’ve listed above. In so doing, you can help make cravings for unhealthy foods a thing of the past. Good luck! :)
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