We've been talking about food all month -- sneaky, healthy, delicious foods that we can add to our diet to enhance the nutritional content. But ever so often (or in my case, daily), we find ourselves craving for foods that we know will not rank high in the "good for you" category like fries (yum), cupcakes and other sugary, salty treats. Many researchers have wondered about this and for 'daily cravers' like me, there may be some respite or at least a logical explanation of why this occurs.
To understand why, we may need to begin by examining the brain. In a recent article, the assistant professor of psychology at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Evan Forman, PH.D., explains that this could be a result of evolution -- as food scarcity was a real risk, so it made sense for the body to encourage eating. And salty and fatty foods were life sustaining so the human body automatically favored them. While that makes sense, what do we do about it now? Clearly, in the era of food being around every corner these "life-sustaining" cravings are working against us.
The article provides some tips that I think we could all work into our lives -- and it all begins with the idea that once we conquer the brain, and the belly will follow:
1) Better snacking - With all the 100 calorie snacks available in stores today and healthy alternatives, this is very doable. My favorite substitutes -- For sweet cravings, I go for the 100-calorie oreo packs. It gives me the sugar without all the guilt. Sometimes I even opt for a piece of dark chocolate (Green & Black Organic is my favorite). For salty cravings, either low-calorie pretzels (if I want crunchy) or low-fat mozzarella string cheese.
2) Know your schedule - I tend to crave foods in the afternoon (a few hours after lunch) or right before dinner (yeah, like I said, I'm a frequent snacker). If you know your schedule, plan ahead, keep the right snacks handy and satisfy the craving without the guilt.
3) Patience is a virtue - Sometimes boredom can bring on cravings that have nothing to do with evolution or schedules. It's important to recognize the difference and be able to distract the mind. Try chewing gum or even moving away from thoughts of food. The article suggests applying mint-flavored perfume as a distraction. I'm going to give that a try next time!
4) Use the Internet to your advantage - Author Eva Kemps, Ph.D has a recommendation that using visual aid can fool the mind and distract you away from food. So next time you picture eating the last slice of cake in your fridge, pick up a magazine instead and revel in the new Vera Wang collection instead! See, I knew those magazines would come in handy someday.
5) It's after all, human to err - If no amount of brain-wrestling works give in to the craving but watch the portion. Not something we did not know already but it's nice to reinforce the idea that it's OK to have the occasional slip and enjoy the craving.
Authors like The Sneaky Chef meet us halfway in our quest to eat better by allowing us to indulge in comfort foods but giving them a healthy twist. Do any of you know other ways one can snack better? You can reply to this blog and share them with us. I know I could always use some more ideas!
Happy Healthy Snacking!
Reena Sood
