I don’t know why, but I have had the BIGGEST sweet tooth lately. I’ve been trying to eat healthier and exercise and develop healthier habits in general, but the past 2 weeks I have been struggling! My drive to exercise has gone way down, and I have been craving every sweet under the sun. Unfortunately I haven’t really been fighting it… but seeing that scale stop going down is definitely a motivator! I’ve recommitted myself to getting it together.

As I do my best to fight those cravings, there are a few tricks that can help curb those cravings, in case they ever hit you ;).

*Drink water. Sometimes, we’re just thirsty! Drinking a big glass of water can sometimes be enough to curb a craving- if nothing else you’ll feel more full so you’ll eat less ;). I have found that when I am drinking a lot more water, I don’t eat as much and I tend to crave sweets less.

*Exercise. This seems like a no-brainer, but seriously, the days I exercise, I have a much easier time eating healthy! It’s like my body knows I worked hard and doesn’t want that hard work thrown away; it also seems to know what I need so I crave all the healthy stuff :).

*Eat protein. Protein is a great way to keep your blood sugars from dropping, and will help you feel fuller on top of having more energy. Make sure you’re eating a lot of protein through the day, both with meals and for snacks! (Peanut butter, nuts, cottage cheese, chicken, etc).

*Eat fruit or honey! If you’re craving something sweet, try eating a healthier version of sweetness;). Fruit can be a great substitute, especially when it’s something absolutely delicious like raspberries! Honey can also be a great sweet substitute. You’ll still be eating the calories, but at least it’s a healthier version ;).

*Eat a balanced diet. Often, our cravings are telling us something. We’re usually lacking some kind of nutrient, hence the craving. By eating a healthy, balanced diet, you’ll be ensuring that all your nutritional needs are being met, which will create fewer cravings.

*Find a distraction. Sometimes, there’s no curbing that craving- so we have to distract it;). Go outside and garden, pick up a project, or even just go on a walk. I’ve heard somewhere that it takes 20 minutes for a craving to go away… so just go on a 20 minute walk and boom! You’ve burned calories and fought off a craving- win-win!

*Indulge if you must;). But not too much! Sometimes, you’ll actually be doing yourself a favor by giving in to a little craving. If you deny yourself of all your favorite foods for too long, it’s easy to binge at the first breakdown you have. But if you allow yourself the occasional cookie or a handful of chocolate chips, you’ll actually be helping yourself to stay on track.

I know I’m not alone in this;). What do you do to fight off cravings? I’d love to hear your ideas!