How To Not Be Tempted By Food

As many as 98 percent of people get food cravings, according to a poll by Nestle Canada reported in "Canadian Living" magazine. Unless you're craving raw vegetables, those cravings can get in the way of your healthy weight goals. There are all kinds of theories about why people crave sweet, salty and fattening foods, ranging from nutritional deficits to low blood sugar to childhood food associations, but science hasn't been able to come up with a definitive answer about what causes food cravings. While you can't be certain why you're craving a jelly doughnut or a cheesy slice of pizza, you can learn to resist your food temptations with a little practice and persistence.

Step 1

Force yourself to stop and focus on what's happening around you when you get a craving. If you weren't hungry before you smelled those cookies or spotted that pizza stand, there's a good chance your craving is emotional. Reminding yourself that you aren't really hungry can help you resist the temptation, says science and health writer Carole Carson on AARP.org.

Step 2

Eat regular meals throughout the day, including breakfast. Skipping meals can make your blood sugar drop dramatically, significantly increasing the likelihood that you'll give into food temptations, explains registered dietitian Joy Bauer in "Woman's Day" magazine.

Step 3

Stash a toothbrush and mouthwash in your bag or desk. Clean your teeth before potential food temptations, such as breakfast meetings with doughnuts or a stroll past the pretzel cart. Having a minty fresh mouth will make you less likely to snack, says Molly Gee, a registered dietitian, in "Reader's Digest."

Step 4

Keep a food log; jot down everything you eat over the course of the day. When a craving strikes, check your log to remind yourself that it's time for a healthy snack.

Step 5

Call a funny friend, surf your favorite humor website or practice a few minutes of quiet meditation when you feel tempted to eat something. Lifting your spirits can help you resist the temptation to snack.