Snack Attack - What to do about cravings?

There are many reasons for food cravings: Stress, frustration, boredom, but especially poor nutrition. If you eat too little or too irregularly, you quickly get food cravings. So what can you do about cravings? We give you tips on how to deal with cravings and how to avoid them altogether.

Hier finden Sie Tipps gegen Heißhunger© Fotolia/Swapan
Peppermint gum and water also help against cravings.

Tips against cravings: eating right

A diet high in sugar leads to cravings, as do sweeteners. Reduce your sugar intake, but don't give up food altogether. A nutritious breakfast in particular provides you with vitamins, fiber and protein for a long day and prevents hunger pangs. If you still get the munchies, stay away from sweets - this will only lead to new attacks.

What can you do about cravings? Distract yourself, for example

Distract yourself from cravings. Go for a walk, take a hot bath or spontaneously call your best friend. If you want to do something about cravings, you can also try breathing meditation. Cravings usually only last for about fifteen minutes: If you have overcome this time with distractions, it wasn't hunger, just appetite. However, if the feeling of hunger still persists, have a snack. Starving yourself will only lead to cravings again in the long run.

Tricks against acute cravings

Chewing gum and water also help against cravings: if you chew on something, a placebo effect occurs. Take peppermint chewing gum, whose essential oils have an additional neutralizing effect. What can you do about cravings that are still there? Drink peppermint tea or water! The liquid in your stomach will make you feel fuller.