How to Stop Junk Food Cravings

5 Tips to Stop Cravings for Unhealthy Foods

Nutrition plays an important role in our health and fitness journey.

In order to build better eating habits, you first need to break bad ones.

In this article we will help you stop junk food cravings.

Research has shown that most people naturally avoid cravings by eating more whole foods and less processed food.

They’re nutrient rich foods, high in fibres and micronutrients (vitamins & minerals).

They take longer to digest, which will make you feel less hungry over the day.

They are produced using manufacturing methods to transform raw ingredients into packaged foods.

These foods don't offer as many nutrients as whole foods.

Here are some examples of processed foods:

• white rice
• white bread
• tortillas
• cornmeal
• orange juice
• cookies
• ...

On the other hand, unprocessed and unrefined foods allow you to get all the macronutrients (carbs, fat, protein) and micronutrients (vitamins & minerals).

They also include antioxidants, phytochemicals and fibers.

Fiber slows down the digestive process, which means you will feel full longer so you will help you stop junk food cravings.

Some examples of whole foods:

• brown rice
• oats
• whole wheat
• bread
• legumes
• beans
• lentils
• ...

More info on Whole foods vs. Processed foods

Meal preparation is an efficient way to help you stay on track.

If you have a meal ready in front of you, you will be less likely to make excuses to eat out and crave junk foods.

It's healthy, affordable and will help you feel at your best.

Moreover, try adding healthy snacks between your main meals, they will help you feel full and prevent junk food cravings.

We often confuse thirst for hunger.

Water is a natural appetite suppressant and helps with digestion.

It will help you add breaks while you're eating, the slower you eat, the longer you will feel full

Aim for 12 (2.5 L) - 15 (3.5 L) cups of water per day.

Studies show that the more sleep deprived we are, the more hungry we feel.

Sleep deprivation can also create an imbalance in your gut microbiome, which can lead to long-term damages.

Getting 7-9 hours of sleep helps make better food choices.

At the end of the day, the best way to prevent cravings is to avoid buying them in the first place.

If you have no control over your food selection, try having healthy snacks with you at all times.

You can still eat some junk food from time to time.

Eating healthy is all about balance, but it's important to break bad eating habits before you can find what works best for you.

• Eat less processed foods
• Eat more whole foods
• Prepare your meal in advance to prevent junk food cravings
• Drink more water. Water is a natural appetite suppressant.
• Get more sleep and avoid bad food choices
• Stop buying the food you crave

• Harvard, The Nutrition Source, "Healthy Eating Plate"
• Cryan JF, Dinan TG. Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2012 Oct;13(10):701-12. doi: 10.1038/nrn3346. Epub 2012 Sep 12. PMID: 22968153.