HOW TO AVOID JUNK FOOD

 1. Wait about half an hour and try to busy yourself in the meantime. Studies show that intense food cravings only last 15-20 minutes.

2. When you’re experiencing a craving, write it down in a diary. Write down the time of day and how you’re feeling. Knowing what time of day and during what emotional state you usually get cravings can help you beat them. Find your triggers!

3. Eat a healthy alternative to your craving. If you’re craving something sweet, try a banana or another piece of fruit. Nuts are also a good option to help eliminate hunger.

4. Bring healthy, well portioned snacks with you to work or when you leave the house. Make sure you eat regularly to avoid the temptation of fast food when you’re hungry.

5. Make sure your fridge and pantry only has healthy snacks in it. Get rid of all comfort foods! Out of sight, out of mind!

6. Brush your teeth. When you have clean teeth, you won’t feel like eating something straight away.

7. Drink water and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Sometimes you may just be dehydrated or lethargic. Water is also a great aid in curbing your appetite.

8. Remind yourself why you are trying to resist the food in the first place. If you are trying to get fit or to slim down, remind yourself how badly you want to acheive that goal.

9. Try eating green, leafy vegetables (such as lettuce, celery, cabbage and bokchoy) to get rid of the munchies. Remember to only add minimal low-fat dressing if it’s your weight that you are trying to target.

10. De-stress. Stress is one of the biggest causes behind food cravings. Any activity that helps you relax will help take your mind off food. Getting regular exercise or even just taking some deep breaths will also help.

11. Have small in between meals.Include fibre rich foods in your diet.This will kepp you full for a longer time and thus you will not crave for junk food.

12. Don’t be too harsh on yourself and your diet. The harder you have to force yourself to resist something, the more likely you are to fall off the rails and binge or pig out. Everything in moderation. Instead of cutting out your favourite food entirely, try to cut down and only indulge once a week and have in smaller portion. You can eat your favourite things here and there!

13. Exercise daily. This will convert body fat into blood sugar, which will help reduce cravings. Exercise also helps you maintain stamina, discipline and self-esteem, all of which helps you resist food cravings.

14. Before sticking something in your mouth, think about the long term effects. Is it worth eating a whole block of chocolate in one go? Is it worth undoing all that exercise and healthy eating you’ve previously done?

15. Keep busy. Sometimes, if you allow your mind to sit and wander, it will induce food cravings.

16. Reward yourself (with anything other than food!) when you resist the food you’ve been craving.

17.When you are tempted to indulge have any of the following –Cinnamon sticks,Saunf,Sugarless chewing gum.Your craving will pass away.

18.Have a balanced and Nutritious meal.Deficiencies of Nutrients also lead to cravings.