We all love comfort food. Though sometimes after indulging a little too much we can start feeling guilty. This doesn’t mean you need to go on a vegetable binge for an entire week but instead focus on your habits revolved around eating. Feeling good about what you’re eating is just as important as the food you’re consuming.
Just like you I have a hard time finding the balance between satisfying my cravings and resisting them. Sometimes fulfilling your yearning for a Sheetz appetizer sampler can feel more than needed and other times you might as well dip your fried mac-n-cheese bites in guilt. Friend to friend, here are some tips on how to shake the shame and start feeling good about your eating habits.
Avoid Eater’s Remorse
How did you feel the last time you ordered fries on the side? One of the most effective ways I fight a craving is to think about how I usually feel after eating that specific food. For example, sometimes when I eat a burger I feel like the buttons on my jeans are going to pop and feel too full to function. The food coma sets in and so does my onion and burger breath. This doesn’t mean I will never order a burger but I am more considerate when deciding what to order.
May I have water please?
Drinking water plays a vital role in your body’s ability to function. It is incredibly pure and has zero calories so it’s the perfect drink. Water also can be very filling which helps you manage your portions while eating. You will not only feel cleaner by drinking water but you can rest easy knowing you did not intake any additional sugars, syrups, or flavors.
Healthy Alternatives
Did you know you there's a pint of ice cream under 300 calories? Yes, our dreams are really coming true. Brands like Halo Top are focused on providing the flavors we love without the unhealthy consequences. There are numerous ways to satisfy your sweet tooth or salty needs in unique and sustaining ways. For example, try dark chocolate almonds instead of a Snickers bar or dip crackers in garlic or sriracha hummus.
Leftovers are your best friend
Stopping when your full is probably one of the most classic rules to follow. Whether you go out or cook for yourself you don’t ever have to finish the entire plate. Especially if it’s something you really like, saving some for later is great because you won’t feel stuffed and you’ll get to enjoy it another time.
Pencil in your cravings
Keep track of what you’re eating and how much you are eating. Having ice cream is fine but having it four nights a week may not be the healthiest habit to get into. If you know you will be going out to eat or going out with friends for treats during the week plan for these trips to be the times you indulge.
“My bank account is so low right now”
Eating out and late night runs to the drive-through can be detrimental to your bank accounts, especially if you’re always swiping with a debit or credit card. Budgeting is a great habit to get into you because you will know just how much you should really spend on food, groceries and craving runs included. A happy bank account equals a happy you.
These are some of my own tips that help keep me in line with my foodie habits. Real Simple offers even more great ways to “fight the crave” that can be beneficial as well. So don’t worry, your favorite flavor of Ben & Jerry’s or Halo Top
can stay in the freezer.