BBC Morning Live psychologist shares trick to avoid food cravings

What are food cravings?

Food cravings are intense desires for specific foods that can be difficult to resist. They are often triggered by emotional factors, such as stress, boredom, or sadness, rather than by actual hunger. Food cravings can lead to weight gain and other health problems if they are not managed properly.

What causes food cravings?

There are many different factors that can contribute to food cravings, including:

• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, can lead to food cravings. These changes are common during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause.
• Stress: Stress can trigger the release of hormones that increase appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods.
• Boredom: When you are bored, you may turn to food for entertainment or comfort.
• Sleep deprivation: When you are sleep deprived, your body produces more of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates appetite.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as steroids and antidepressants, can cause food cravings as a side effect.

How to avoid food cravings

There are a number of things you can do to avoid food cravings, including:

• Eat regular meals: Eating regular meals throughout the day can help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and reduce cravings.
• Choose healthy snacks: When you do snack, choose healthy options such as fruits, vegetables, or nuts.
• Get enough sleep: When you are well-rested, your body produces less of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates appetite.
• Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
• Talk to your doctor: If you are struggling to control your food cravings, talk to your doctor. They may be able to help you identify the underlying cause of your cravings and develop a treatment plan.

BBC Morning Live psychologist shares trick to avoid food cravings

In a recent episode of BBC Morning Live, psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos shared a simple trick to help avoid food cravings. The trick is to drink a glass of water whenever you have a craving. Dr. Papadopoulos explained that cravings are often caused by dehydration, and that drinking a glass of water can help to satisfy your cravings and prevent you from overeating.

Dr. Papadopoulos's trick is based on research that has shown that drinking water can help to reduce appetite and cravings. One study, published in the journal Obesity, found that people who drank two glasses of water before a meal ate less food than those who did not drink water.

If you are trying to lose weight or control your food cravings, Dr. Papadopoulos's trick is worth a try. Drinking a glass of water whenever you have a craving can help to satisfy your cravings and prevent you from overeating.