What are some foods to have on hand if cravings hit?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Here's a waist management fact: Bad foods aren't just bad because of the ingredients they contain, but also because many of them are fast and easy, which are the exact traits that can get you into a whole lot of trouble. The key to successful dietary contingency plans is to have pre-made foods ready for you during times when you've been conditioned to reach for bags of sugar-containing waist-killers. Instead, make your favorites of these options once a week so you'll have something to grab when you need it.- Cut-Up Vegetables: Your choice. Cut them, bag them, eat them. Nothing wrong with baby carrots, grape tomatoes and broccoli florets, but if you prefer jicama, sugar snaps and orange pepper strips, go for it.
- Sauteed Vegetables: Your choice of vegetables. Sautee them in olive oil with chopped garlic, or red pepper flakes or a good dash of tumeric. Refrigerate and use for side dishes or hot, microwaved snacks.
- Soups: Make a filling soup once a week and store them in serving-size cups in the fridge. Eat one cup as a pre-dinner appetizer, to take the edge off—or have a cup of soup as a snack.
- Steel-Cut Oats: If you're worried about time, cook up one week's worth per directions and store in the fridge for up to a week. For some people, that may seem as appetizing as a slice of baked wrapping paper, but it actually tastes good.
- Emergency Foods: Every house needs fire-extinguisher foods—good-for-you-foods that will put out three-alarm starvation fires. Reach for a handful of almonds, peanuts or walnuts, bags of store-bought, pre-chopped fruits and veggies, dried fruit (apricots, cranberries), and edamame (soy beans—look for microwave bags in the frozen food section). In a real pinch? Pop one of those mint breath strips--they can help turn off appetite by making food less appetizing.
Find out more about this book: YOU: On A Diet Revised Edition: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management
Here's a waist management fact: Bad foods aren't just bad because of the ingredients they contain, but also because many of them are fast and easy, which are the exact traits that can get you into a whole lot of trouble. The key to successful... More -
Weight Watchers® answered:It's important to listen to your cravings. If you're craving something sweet, eat something sweet -- just opt for a healthier nosh, such as fruit, instead of a high-calorie one such as ice cream. The same goes for crunchy cravings. For example, try air-popped popcorn instead of high-fat chips. If you're really craving something specific like chocolate, have a small amount of high-quality chocolate.
Weight Watchers offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss that can help you reach your goals. Learn more about Weight Watchers and how to join.
It's important to listen to your cravings. If you're craving something sweet, eat something sweet -- just opt for a healthier nosh, such as fruit, instead of a high-calorie one such as ice cream. The same goes for crunchy cravings. For... More -
Ms. Vandana Sheth of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Cravings are often not associated with true hunger. Before you decide to indulge in a craving, take a break to identify what it is that you are actually experiencing. Are you hungry, sad, bored, upset, angry....? This is the first step in controlling distracted eating and unnecessary calories. Next, think of healthy alternatives to satisfy your craving. When it comes to crunchy foods, try raw, baby carrots, celery sticks, small handful of almonds or other nuts. If you crave something salty, try air-popped popcorn, baked chips, whole grain rice cakes. If you are looking for something sweet, try whole fruit, dried fruit, a few chocolate chips, a cup of fat-free hot cocoa, sugar-free jello, sugar-free pudding, nonfat yogurt. A small, bowl of whole grain oatmeal with cinnamon, a slice of wholegrain toast sprinkled with cinnamon, a bowl of edamame can all be satisfying snacks. Sometimes, trying other alternatives to eventually end up eating what you crave might cause you to have more calories than indulging in the foods that you actually crave in small amounts.Helpful? 3 people found this helpfulCravings are often not associated with true hunger. Before you decide to indulge in a craving, take a break to identify what it is that you are actually experiencing. Are you hungry, sad, bored, upset, angry....? This is the first step... More -
Marisa Moore of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:At any given moment, you may get a craving for certain foods. You may be stressed, bored, sad or feeling nostalgic. Be prepared to conquer cravings by keeping these on hand:
- To conquer a salty craving, try lightly salted nuts, edamame or kale chips with just a sprinkle of salt to taste.
- Munch on carrot sticks, jicama or cucumber slices to satisfy a crunchy craving. Cool, crunchy apple slices dipped in peanut butter is a fun and flavorful way to satisfy a crunchy craving and it's quite filling.
- When you crave something sweet but can’t put a finger on it, reach for a ripe piece of fruit. It works.
- Get your chocolate fix with an ounce of high quality dark chocolate. Eat it slowly to truly savor the flavor and the moment.
- If you crave ice cream, opt for lower fat versions or frozen yogurt with a fresh fruit topping. Thick and creamy Greek yogurt with sweet seasonal fruit or a drizzle of honey can also satisfy the craving for something cool and creamy.
- For a sweet and salty treat, stuff dates with small cubes of parmesan cheese.
- For a savory fix, try Indian-spiced roasted chickpeas, popcorn with chipotle chili powder and cumin or go Italian by adding basil, oregano and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Got a craving for pizza? Try fresh mozzarella dipped in marinara sauce.
Helpful? 2 people found this helpfulAt any given moment, you may get a craving for certain foods. You may be stressed, bored, sad or feeling nostalgic. Be prepared to conquer cravings by keeping these on hand: To conquer a salty craving, try lightly salted nuts, edamame or... More -
Ximena Jimenez of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:These are some foods to grab when cravings hit:
- Dark chocolate: chocolate is one food we all crave and the dark version has a great number of nutrients. It is rich in antioxidants and a healthy fat which is good for your body
- Grapes: this fruit has a good content of water that can help you feel satisfied. Reach for 15 grapes when you are craving something sweet
- Gum: recent studies indicate that gum can help you curb your food cravings.
- Water: sometimes we could confuse hunger with thirst. Before reaching for some food, drink a glass of water.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThese are some foods to grab when cravings hit: Dark chocolate: chocolate is one food we all crave and the dark version has a great number of nutrients. It is rich in antioxidants and a healthy fat which is good for your body Grapes: this fruit has... More -
Dr. Mike Dow answered:Believe it or not, by having certain snacks on hand you can actually head off a craving, says addiction specialist Dr. Mike Dow. Watch this video to find out what he recommends.
Believe it or not, by having certain snacks on hand you can actually head off a craving, says addiction specialist Dr. Mike Dow. Watch this video to find out what he recommends. More
