How to stop chocolate cravings

Did you know that chocolate is the most craved food substance in the world? There's something about its smooth, rich, buttery, sweet melt-in-your-mouth experience that has even the most disciplined person go weak at the knees. Chocolate is so universally loved in just about every country and culture that it could probably help pacify even the most ferocious disagreement.rnChocolate is a classic 'bad food/good food' - on one hand it's high in saturated fat and sugar which puts it in the 'bad food' category, but it can also be sometimes propelled into the 'good' category due to its antioxidants. Even the most avid chocolate addict would reluctantly admit, though, that chocolate is far better eaten in small portions as a treat rather than as a meal replacement or a daily necessity.rnBut how do you deal with those chocolate cravings that have you reaching for your favourite chocolate bar when you're tired, exhausted, cranky or just 'over it'?rnI love chocolate myself and I eat it fairly regularly, but gone are the days when I reach for a bar of Cadbury rather than eat a healthy snack.rnThese are three tips that have helped me conquer the chocolate cravings once and for all.rnTip #1: Drink more waterrnDid you know that sugar cravings can often be confused with dehydration? And did you know that over 70% of people in the US are thought to be dehydrated, which probably means Australians are not that far behind (we could actually be in front due to our warmer climate)? That means that you could well be sitting reading this in a dehydrated state without even knowing it.rnIf you get regular cravings for chocolate and/or sugar, get into the habit of always having a bottle of water with you at all times and take a big slug instead of taking a choccy chunk. Wait for 10 minutes and see if the craving passes. You'll be amazed how often it does.rnTip #2: Eat more proteinrnOne of the best things I've done over the years is add more protein into my diet. Miraculously (not so miraculous really, as it's a proven scientific fact), the more protein I eat the less sugar cravings I have. When once I would grab a big chunk of chocolate cake rather than a tuna sandwich, I know prefer the sandwich.rnGood protein snacks are a small handful of mixed nuts (brazil, almonds, cashews); a hard-boiled egg or some mixed seeds and a piece of fruit. You need to get into the habit of having such snacks readily available.rnThat's a bonus tip on how to stop chocolate cravings - always have healthy snacks with you at all times.rnTip #3: Listen to your body...and restrnIf you keep grabbing for the chocolate in all its delicious forms, ponder for a moment how busy you are. Are you taking time out for yourself? Are you getting enough rest? Or are you too far down your own list of priorities to look after yourself?rnThe final tip is to simply give into the need to unwind, recharge and revitalise. You could well be caught on the treadmill of life and have forgotten how to get off. Listen to your body and get some early nights and take some time out for yourself.rnWhen you give yourself some time to recharge your batteries, you won't need to the quick fix of a chocolate hit. For more tips on health and weight, visit us at http://www.donnaandtora.comrn