10 Ways You Can Beat Junk Food Cravings

Cravings for junk foods can seem to come out of nowhere. One minute you feel satisfied and the next you feel like your whole body is begging for a peanut butter cup or bowl of ice cream.

Of course, it’s ideal when you might crave apples, blueberries, or green beans because they’re low in calories and good for you. The problem is when you feel like you need something sweet, salty, or high in fat in order to be satisfied. At times, you might even crave all three at once.

You can either fight junk food cravings or give in to the temptation. It's perfectly OK to allow yourself a treat every now and then, especially when you choose small portions that allow you to stay within your calorie requirement for the day. But when junk food cravings turn into binges, you run the risk of weight gain and you're overindulging in foods that just aren’t very good for you. Here are some helpful tips to help curb your cravings for junk food.

1

Deal With Your Trigger Foods

It’s much easier to give in to temptation when the food you crave is within easy reach. So don’t keep unhealthy foods you tend to crave in your kitchen or at your desk at work. This doesn't mean you can’t keep any treats in the house, but select goodies that are easier for you to manage. Don’t stock up on chocolate chip cookies if you can’t seem to walk by without eating the whole package.

2

Don't Skip Meals

Loving couple in the kitchen eating breakfast — AleksandarNakic / Getty Images

When your stomach isn't growling it can make it a lot easier to ward off any cravings, so don't skip your regular meals. Start with a healthy breakfast and follow up with a nutritious lunch and dinner. And it’s OK to include some snacks as long as they’re good for you and you're still within your calorie count.

3

Consider Whether It's Craving or Hunger

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There’s a difference between having the physical feelings of hunger and the mental and emotional feelings of craving something. If you’re hungry and it’s not close to mealtime, you should probably eat something. If you’re not really hungry, then try some crave-busting distraction techniques, coming up next.

4

Drink Water or a Low Calorie Beverage

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Drinking a tall glass of water might serve as a distraction or it might solve your craving without adding any calories. If plain water sounds boring, add a slice or two of lemon, lime or cucumber. Or sip on iced tea (without the added sugar).

5

Go for a Walk

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Here’s another distraction that has health benefits. Stave off your cravings with a little exercise and go outside for a walk. If you can’t or don’t want to go outside, do a few minutes of calisthenics. Besides serving as a distraction, the physical activity might help reduce stress that could be contributing to your cravings. This technique is not recommended for those who skip meals.

6

Get Enough Sleep

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Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep daily. It's easier to fight cravings when you have adequate sleep. Not getting enough sleep can lead to increased cravings for junk food and weight gain. If you can't get enough sleep during the evening, a nap may be helpful during the day as long as it doesn't disrupt your next night's sleep.

7

Manage Your Stress

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High stress can lead to many problems, including cravings for junk food in large amounts. Consider seeing a therapist to help you manage your stress. If stress leads to junk food and overconsumption of calories, then seeking a registered dietitian or nutritionist can be helpful as well.

8

Chew Gum or Hard Candy

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A stick of chewing gum or a piece of hard candy doesn’t have many calories, and the flavor might be all that you need to get past your sweet craving. Alternatively, you might try something like MealEnders, which combines sweet flavors with cool, tingly sensations that can help stop many craving in their tracks.

9

Phone a Friend

Attractive overweight woman at home lying on couch, holding smart phone, texting. — GrapeImages / Getty Images

Call or text a friend or family member who can talk you down from your craving. You may also want to have a registered dietitian nutritionist on-board, especially if you're trying to lose weight. It’s always nice to have someone in your corner who can support your efforts to eat healthier. And you can be there for them when they need help with a craving, too.

10

Choose the Healthiest Snack Options

Wooden container with blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries — Jon Lovette/Getty Images

There are plenty of healthy, whole foods that can satisfy a craving for something sweet or salty. Fresh berries, a fruit smoothie, peanut butter on a celery stick, or one slice of whole grain toast with almond butter can help conquer cravings for junk food and add important nutritional value.