Control food cravings

I understand many Moms have issues with cravings & control in regards to food. Mine is shopping. I buy something and feel great. Some people eat carbs, you feel better. The important thing to notice is that “feeling great or better” is only for that moment. The “guilt” lasts for hours, days, weeks? Maybe it’s just me. The way I handle it and the way perhaps you could try is are the following:

1. Do NOT buy any of the unhealthy types of foods that you don’t want to eat.

My philosophy is if the kids want it, tough. I will not buy packaged cookies, candy, etc. even though they beg me for it. It’s too tempting for Moms, dads and kids. IF you buy it, it WILL be eaten.

Plus, if chips, fries, etc are a challenge for you – don’t order them at restaurants or buy them AT ALL. Having tempting foods in front of you makes it harder on YOU. It places you in a challenging position and raising kids is a challenge already, right?
My philosophy is “if it’s not there, you can’t eat it.”

Shortest road to quick fix: don’t buy it.

If mom isn’t feeling good about herself…. you know the rest.

2. Pick you situations. Do NOT put yourself in a situation of temptation. Avoid types of parties or social gatherings that center around foods that tempt you: Stay away from tail gate parties. (i.e., I do not go to social parties where they sell jewelry, clothing, etc.)

3. “Cook once, eat 3 times.” I ALWAYS eat a super healthy mini meal before I attend any social event or go out for the day for that matter. I fill up on foods I control and select. Use my “Mini Meal” plan (coming out soon) that outlines simple meals you can prepare ahead of time for yourself and your family. The concept is to cook your regular healthy meals and set aside 2 mini meals for the next day(s).

If you are on the full side, you won’t be as tempted to head right to the food.

Tips to stop cravings:

• Try and figure out what triggers the desire to over eat, over drink, over shop.  When you feel the emotions come over you, call someone and discuss your feelings.


• Don't buy what you don't want to eat.


• If you slip up, don't beat yourself up.


• Get enough sleep. Your mind and body are weak when you're tired. You're likely over eat if you are tired i.e., mid afternoon slump.


• Workout in the a.m.: if you workout, you will make better choices all day. This really works.


• "1 or none" is what I tell my kids (and big kids.) If you can't stop at 1 don't even do that to yourself.


• Substitute: Crunchy foods: mini carrots, bell peppers, baked chips, baked sweet potatoes, cucumbers. Soft food like pudding: FAGE yogurt, cottage cheese, apple sauce.


• Distract yourself: We do that with the kids, why not ourselves? As soon as you start grabbing for the chips, divert yourself "Danger Danger Ms. (Wil) Robinson."

Hope this is helpful.

We can do this!

Kiana Tom
Host & Founder FitMomTV.com