WOAH … Everyone and their cousin Fred is talking about health and wellness and the advice is flying! There’s no denying that junk food cravings are powerful physiological reactions – and, apparently, carefully and strategically developed by food manufacturers.

French fries, cookies, cheeseburgers … there’s a reason why we love food that’s bad for us: It tastes so good! Many of our supermarket snacks are made with the “perfect” amounts of added sugar, salt, fat, and other chemicals designed to make us want more. But, as the pink frosting doughnuts sit on their glistening throne dripping with sweetness and speaking to you in the language of seduction;  a study from Tufts University revealed that it may be possible to train your brain to stop craving unhealthy foods.

Off course there’s a bit of willpower involved. You don’t just eat ice cream every day and then magically crave Greek yogurt instead! But, here’s the good news: The less junk food you eat, the less you want to eat.

Here are a few tweaks to get you started:

• Keep the healthy stuff handy. Store healthy foods front and centre in your fridge and on your counter tops. If you had, say, red peppers all sliced and ready to go, they’re all the more tempting to dip into hummus.
• Keep trigger foods out of the house. See no evil, eat no evil, right?
• Cut back gradually. It’s never a good idea to go cold turkey. Sugar for example has an addictive quality and when you cut back for long enough on unhealthy foods (especially sugar), your taste buds will get used to the change and you’ll no longer crave the same kind of food. So, whenever you feel a sweet craving coming on, grab a handful of strawberries, or if you need to start slow, dip them in antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. Also, up your protein intake to curb sugar cravings; protein will leave you fuller for longer.
• Fill up with healthy foods first. Can’t go without junk food on a Friday night? Pair your burger with a healthy salad and eat the healthy part first so that you’ll eat less of the unhealthy foods.
• Make one healthy swap. Instead of giving something up, swap it for a more nutritious option, swap soda for water, coffee for tea, or a chocolate bar for a piece of fruit.
• Have a healthy breakfast. Pimp your porridge with cinnamon, whizz up a delicious smoothie, or crack out the eggs.
• Try grilling, roasting or poaching, instead of frying food.
• Hang out with healthy people. Eat and exercise with people who are health conscious, it makes healthy living more fun.

Isn’t the human brain incredible? It is actually possible to manipulate you mind to change your lifestyle.

So, train your brain to say “no” to junk food and say “yes” to more stamina, better quality of life, and a healthier you.

Source: heart.org, now.tufts.edu, beautyredefined.net, brookenotonadiet.com, you-app.com/7-healthy-eating-habits-that-can-change-your-life-jamie-o, personalexcellence.co, zenhabits.net, webmd.com, dailymakeover.com, us.modiushealth.com, goalcast.com, thehealthy.com, readersdigest.ca   

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.