Curb your appetite in less than 60 seconds
August 11, 2015 - 8:41 am
How many times do we need to be reminded: "If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is?" This is particularly true when it comes to get-rich-quick schemes and weight loss gimmicks. I recently came across an article about a 4-minute workout. If this were true, then I must be a huge fool to continue my grueling, 60-minute long, 4-day a week, sweat-filled, heart-pounding, muscle-burning, breath-taking workout. Taking the path of least resistance is not just a law of physics, but also human nature. While I cannot condone or endorse this get-thin-quick scheme, or many others like it, there are several easy tricks that can help us curb our appetites for sweets and unhealthy snacks as well as trim our waistlines.
Dr. Nina's What You Need to Know: To Help Your Weight "Get Gone" in 60 Seconds or Less
Kick Your Sugar Addiction to The Curb
Sugar can hack into an area of our brain that is designed to help us survive and provides a reward mechanism, similar to other addictive substances like nicotine and street drugs. So when those intense cravings kick in, reach for a banana, pineapple, mango, or berries. They will satisfy our addiction without the added sugar. And because they contain vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, it is a win-win situation.
Drink Like a Fish
Water that is. Being dehydrated can cause and intensify sugar cravings. The next time we yearn to reach for a cookie or piece of cake, drink 1-2 glasses of water and then reassess if we still want that sugary snack.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Research has shown that chewing on sugar free gum can suppress hunger for up to 3 hours after a meal and decrease sweet snack intake by 160 calories compared to someone not chewing gum.
Take a Seat ... Stand
Sitting for prolonged periods is bad for our health. Studies have shown that it increases our risk for diabetes, cardiovascular events, and premature death. While the reasons are complicated, we can keep it simple by taking a stand! Make it a point to move every 30-60 minutes, or whenever it crosses our mind. Stretch our arms, take deep breaths, stand, climb stairs, or walk around. Just keep it moving!
Brush your Teeth
"Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me." I am referring to eating after we brush our teeth or use mouthwash. It can literally ruin our sugar craving. The winter fresh feeling makes it fun to kiss with, but ruins the taste of almost anything we eat after.
Weigh Yourself Weekly
Studies have shown that most people underestimate how much we eat and drink and overestimate the amount we exercise. By weighing ourselves weekly, we can provide a reality check and take action to erase the weight before it becomes out of control. Avoid weighing ourselves daily because small fluctuations are typically a sign of our hydration, food we have eaten, or bowel movements.
Fill'er Up
While not quite as tasty as a piece of carrot cake, eating a tablespoon of flaxseed can fill us up. Flaxseed is a powerhouse when it comes to fiber. And we all know that fiber can "fill'er up." For those who have difficulty stomaching the idea, consider sprinkling it on our oatmeal, nonfat yogurt, salads, meals, or soups.
Have a Whiff of Vanilla
Have you ever noticed that when we cook all day, we just don't feel like eating as much? This may be because immersing ourselves in a scent all day may desensitize us. Consider smelling vanilla-scented candles to reduce our sugar cravings.
I still stand firm that most get-thin-quick schemes are T.G.T.B.T: "Too Good to Be True." But it is nice to have a few tips and tricks in our pocket that we can reach for when it comes to helping us along on our journey to live healthier, and happier, lives.
This information is for educational purposes and should not be considered specific medical advice. Always consult with a qualified medical professional regarding your individual circumstances.
Dr. Nina Radcliff is dedicated to her profession, her patients and her community, at large. She is passionate about sharing wise preventive health measures.