Got chocolate cake cravings? Don’t give in! Instead try these tricks…

  1. Go for a walk.
    University of Exeter found that employees who took a brisk 15 minute walk ate half as much chocolate afterward as those who rested at their desks. You get a natural energy and emotional boost from physical activity that can help ward off food cravings.
  2. Choose a protein-rich snack instead.
    Protein keeps you satiated and a study published in the journalĀ Neuron, found that protein helps keep you awake and alert more than other nutrients. So you can get over that mid-afternoon slump without the candy bar.
  3. Drink some water.
    Oftentimes people experience food cravings simply because they are dehydrated.
  4. If you must have something chocolatey, indulge in a treat you won’t feel guilty about.
    Whip up a smoothie with chocolate protein powder or indulge in a small square of dark chocolate or maybe some chocolate covered nuts.
    For some great smoothie ideas check out The Healthy Diaries blog; I love this Chocolate Peppermint Smoothie, though I prefer almond extract to the peppermint.