Forget points-counting, calorie-watching or cutting out treats. To beat cravings and take control of your eating habits for good, Diet Coach Kimberly Wills top tip is to stop thinking about food and focus on YOU.
She joined us for a weight-loss webchat here at Zest.co.uk to share her advice and answer your questions about choosing an eating plan that works - and how to stick to it. Here's what we learnt:
1. Switch your surroundings: Breaking away from familiarities will help beat bad habits. Can't have a cup of tea without reaching for the biscuit tin? Try sipping in a new environment. If you slump on the sofa with an evening brew, try instead sitting at the kitchen table to drink it - while you flick through a copy of Zest.
2. Massage away temptation: Soothe food cravings by gently rubbing the acupressure point area under your nose and above your lip for a minute.
3. Boost energy naturally: The mid-afternoon slump means we often end up snacking on naughty foods. Increase your oxygen levels to raise energy by sitting up straight and taking five deep breaths. Swing your arms and legs with a spot of brisk marching to activate both sides of your brain and wake yourself up. Finally, ensure you are well hydrated by sipping on water regularly to stop you feeling sluggish.
24 hours to more energy
4. Eat happy foods: Low moods cause sugar cravings as our body seeks something to boost the happy hormone, serotonin. Instead of choosing chocolate to cheer yourself up, try foods high in tryptophan like eggs, walnuts and salmon.
7 easy ways to cut calories
5. Don't blacklist: Banning your fave foods will increase your cravings. Eating a little chocolate or cake in moderation is not the end of the world. Be kind to yourself and recognise that you are only human - and when you do enjoy a treat, don't beat yourself up about it. Stay positive and focus on what you have achieved in terms of weight-loss.
6. If you're hungry, eat: One common issue that many dieters suffer from is ignoring their body signals. Stay in touch with your bodyand learn to understand its needs. If it's calling out for food, don't ignore it. Instead, make a positive choice about what you are going to eat.
Does the Fasting Diet work?
