Zap your cravings.

Actually...  you can massage your cravings away.

There is a really simple pressure point that when massaged for 30-60 seconds it can help combat craving and snacking for a couple of hours.

Where is it?

Right infront of your ear

So next time you feel like grabbing a snack a little while before dinner

or you are craving something salty while watching your favorite show....

Give it a try.

Using the point of your index finger press on this point and massage for about a minute.

Your craving should go away or at least be reduced.

Let me know if it works for you!!

[source: vitamin G]

Snacks

When looking for snacks its important to look for something healthy,

with fibre, and protein - they keep you full for longer

So great snacks include cut up fruit, whole grain crackers and cheese

Thats why I was pretty excited when I saw 34-degree crackers

they claim to be whole grains, they are wafer thin, and tons of flavours and look delicious.

I was not so excited after I looked up the nutritional information

it looks good at first - 130 calories for19 crackers, no saturated or trans fat, maybe a bit too much sodium and then I looked at the Fibre... 1g??? For whole wheat crackers. I was suspicious.

To even be considered a source of fibre there needs to be 2g/serving

To be a good source it needs to bee 4g/serving.

and last time a checked... whole grains should have lots of fibre

Then I looked at the ingredients... and there it was

unbleached, enriched wheat flour.

-Not whole wheat flour

these might be a step up from crackers that aren't enriched, but your best bet is to stick with real whole grain crackers like triscuits. 

Food Cravings

What is the best way to combate food cravings or late night snacking?
Distract yourself.  Even better - distract yourself by doing something active

The average food craving lasts about 4-12 minutes.  So the next time you feel yourself reaching for those salty crackers, or hidden stash of cookies try these things first

1. Drink a glass or water. A lot of the time thirst is mistake for hunger - so try this first, you may be dehydrated.

2. Go for a walk. Go for a brisk 15-20 minute walk, in the park, with your special someone, or take the dog out. By the time you get back - the craving should be gone.

3. Stretch - stretch out your hamstrings, your back, your neck. -click here for a 4 minute yoga routine

4. Do a 20 minute at home workout - try the one here

5. Brush your teeth - you are less likely to snack with minty fresh just brushed teeth


-if you try these tips and you still feel like you want to eat - keep healthy snacks easily accesible. cut up peppers, carrots, apples and leave them in single serving bags/tupperwear in the fridge. Or keep bags or quarter cup bags of unsalted almonds in the cupboard That way nutrient dense snacks ready when you are!