When changing our diet in any way, we are bound to have cravings. This is because we are suddenly taking away foods that the body is used to consuming and it can take a while for our body to come around to the idea of a change in diet, even if it is for the better. Drinking meal replacement shakes is one effective way to lose weight, but with it comes cravings. There are ways to deal with these so that you do not feel hungry and you do not ruin your diet. Follow these top tips if your cravings are driving you crazy.
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Take the Best Meal Replacement Shakes
Taking meal replacement shakes that really work is a good way to both suppress your appetite and aid you in your weight loss journey. If you are considering a ketogenic diet, use this for making keto shakes. As KetoLogic make their shakes with the perfect ratio of protein to fat, they will leave you feeling fuller for a lot longer than less superior protein shakes that contain no fat at all. Too much protein intake when trying to lose weight ends up being broken down into carbs. This can knock you out of ketosis, as well as preventing weight loss and increasing your hunger between shakes.
Drink Enough Water
Often, we do not stay hydrated enough when taking meal replacement shakes; one reason being that we think we are consuming more liquid than usual when taking shakes instead of food. Drinking water has many health benefits and is an inexpensive and easy way to keep us feeling fuller.
If you begin to feel hungry, the first thing you should do is drink a glass of water. You should also drink water before meals, as it can leave you feeling a lot fuller from smaller portions. Next time you are having a craving, reach for the tap before reaching for the fridge.
Distraction
Cravings are inevitable when changing our diet and if you haven’t got the best will power, distraction is a great tool to forget about those pesky cravings. If you have a busy life, it is easier to ignore the cravings, as you don’t have time to go out and buy those doughnuts you want. If you have a desk job or work from home, it is much easier to give in to those cravings.
If possible, go for a brisk walk or take a bath and read a book. Anything that can distract your mind from the craving until it passes is a good way to not give in. Many people find chewing gum an effective way of reducing appetite and distracting your mind from wandering thoughts of food.
Don’t Let Yourself Go Hungry
One of the biggest reasons we crave foods is because we are hungry. Meal replacement shakes are a way of losing weight and gaining what we need in the form of shake, but they should be adequately filling you up so that you do not feel hungry. Many meal replacement shakes still allow for at least one regular meal throughout the day, plus snacks.
Healthy snacks will not hurt your weight loss journey and they are better than succumbing to cravings because your body is starving. Be prepared for cravings by having healthy snacks in work or at home to eat if you do feel hungry.
Reduce Stress Levels
This is easier said than done, but if you are under a lot of stress, taking meal replacement shakes may need to wait until the stress has been lifted. Stress has a big impact on cravings and eating the wrong type of foods. Especially with women, studies have shown that the higher the stress level, the more calories consumed within a day and the higher the cravings. This also comes to light when women are at a certain point in their menstrual cycle.
Stress not only induces cravings, but it can also cause you to release a hormone known as cortisol, which can cause you to gain weight, on the stomach area especially. Minimizing any stress you are under and finding a way to relax and de-stress can help with any cravings you may be having. If you are under a significant amount of stress from something such as a work deadline, waiting for this to be over may be the best time to start taking your meal replacement shakes to ensure you aren’t setting yourself up for failure.
Drinking the right meal replacement shakes can ultimately lead to fewer cravings as they should be keeping you full between meal times. If you do experience cravings, try drinking water to ensure you are not confusing hunger for thirst and if this doesn’t work, distract yourself. As your body becomes more used to your new diet, your cravings will decrease.
