BEHAVIORS TO AVOID TO COMBAT CRAVINGS :
Going to the Grocery Store Hungry You will overspend and most importantly buy things you don ’ t want and don ’ t need ! I don ’ t care how strong your willpower is , you will j ust setting yourself up for self-sabotage if you do this so make sure to snack before you shop ! B e smart and implement a food shopping strategy . D esignate one day a week as your shopping and food preparation day . B y developing this ritual , you become more organized and disciplined . I like to do my grocery shopping on Sunday evenings- I feel like I have the whole store to myself !
Skipping Breakfast Your mom was right when she said that breakfast was the most important meal of the day . Always make sure to eat within the first hour after rising in order to j umpstart your metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day . P eople think that they are saving calories when they skip breakfast but it ’ s really quite the opposite . Make sure to have your “ B reakfast of C hampions ” and that you have a balance of protein and complex carbs �x� �gg Whites and �atmeal .
Keeping Unhealthy Food Choices Around You Why sabotage yourself ? It is the common law of nature- once something is in your sight you want it ! H ow many times has this happened to you ? H ow many times have you triggered your own food craving by keeping that candy bar in your desk drawer or that batch of cookies in your kitchen ? It ’ s only natural to want a bite when you see it . A s the saying goes- out of sight , out of mind ! K eep that snack food out of your surroundings !
OTHER WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR CRAVINGS :
Eat Regularly B y eating 4 -5 small meals per day you will keep your metabolism & blood sugar levels in check and keep your cravings at ease .
Exercise A ny kind of exercise will help you release endorphins , improve your mood and help you combat your cravings , especially if you can schedule your workout at the specific times that your cravings occur .
Relieve Stress Media and marketing has programmed people to turn to food as their outlet whenever they become stressed . B y discovering alternative ways to relieve your stress , you will soon be able to channel your stressors into something positive . Try taking a brisk ten minute walk the next time that your nerves get rattled ! You may also want to try incorporating yoga or into your routine at least once a week and a few minutes of daily meditation .
A little creativity in the kitchen can help you cancel out your cravings and help you get the best of both worlds !
CHEESY & MELTY : Instead of : C heese P izza ( over 5 00 calories ) TRY : Whole wheat thomas english muffin with � tablespoon of tomato / pizza sauce and a sprinkle of organic shredded cheese . P reheat oven to 35 0 and pop in for 5 minutes and save yourself a couple hundred calories !
CRUNCHY : Instead of : K F C chicken ( over 5 00 calories ) TRY : “ H F C ” - H ealthy “ fried ” chicken : ( see recipe )
SWEET : Instead of : C hocolate mousse pie ( 25 0 calories ) TRY : �ow fat chocolate �ell-� pudding with a dollop of C ool Whip ( 130 calories )
HEALTHY SOUTHERN “ FRIED ” CHICKEN
CHICKEN INGREDIENTS 1 lb chicken tenders ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese ¼ cup chopped chives butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray 1 cup buttermilk
MARINADE INGREDIENTS ½ small onion cut into wedges 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1 garlic clove minced
SPICY : Instead of : Large Wendy ’ s chili ( 330 calories ) TRY : H omemade spicy turkey chili ( Under 200 calories )
SOUR : Instead of : Sour P atch K ids C andy ( 14 0 calories ) TRY : D ill pckle ( only 17 calories )
SALTY : Instead of : Movie theater popcorn ( 300 calories w / o added butter ) TRY : A ir-popped popcorn with sea salt ( 1cup has only 31 calories )
CHEWY : Instead of : Subway chocolate chip cookies TRY : Q uaker granola bar- C hocolate C hip ( only 100 calories & N� Trans fat�
1 tsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp light brown sugar 1 tsp salt ½ tsp ground pepper
DIRECTIONS P reheat oven to 4 25 degrees C ombine all of the marinade ingredient in a blender until smooth . P lace chicken in a glass baking dish and pour marinade on it cover and store in refrigerator for at least 4 hours . C ombine the breadcrumbs , chives and parmesan in a shallow baking dish . D unk chicken in buttermilk and then and coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture . P lace chicken on a non-stick pan and bake for 20 minutes on 35 0 degrees . E nj oy this crispy “ fried chicken ” with a side of homemade sweet potato wedges and string beans !
Angelique Bio : Angelique Millis is a Certified Fitness Professional , Journalist and Lifestyle Coach living in Los Angeles , CA . As a weight loss success story that combated her vices and transformed her physique by losing nearly 40 pounds & 5 dress sizes , Angelique has transcended her passion for health and fitness into motivating & educating others on reaching their fitness potential . She is also an online trainer & author of “ The Fit Success Lifestyle Program- a Fitness Plan to transform your Body & your Life ”. Visit www . AngeliqueMillis . com and www . MyFitSuccess . com for more tips ! www . NaturalMuscle . net 31