When you feel a craving coming on don’t tell yourself you can’t have it; tell yourself you can maybe have it later.
Recent research shows that when volunteers postponed having a snack or something they craved they ate less than those who indulged immediately.
And what about the people who try to deny all cravings? Those who postponed ate less over the course of the week than those who deny themselves any treat or snack. Those who make ultimatums often end up feeling deprived; they will eventually cave and overindulge.
Telling yourself you can have the treat or snack later gives time for that craving to fade. Once your desire is not as strong, you are able to practice better portion control or decide you don’t actually want the splurge after all.
The only rule is not to set times or make promises about when “later” is. Don’t tell yourself you can have the treat in an hour because then once the hour is up, you may end up eating just because you set a time, not because you really want to eat the food you were craving anymore.
Brought to you by our friends at Optimal Body Balance.
