by April J.

Created on: November 20, 2008   Last Updated: November 12, 2009

Part of adopting a healthy lifestyle, whether it means a better diet, working out more, or even quitting smoking or drinking, involves the difficult act of giving up old habits. Unfortunately, some of these old habits sometimes die hard and often, these rear their ugly heads in the form of cravings. These cravings try to get you to give in and pick up that mega-burger-meal, drink, or cigarette pack. The worst cravings usually occur early on in the process, usually soon after you have started making the changes. If you can power through this phase, you will be much closer towards achieving your goals. Read on for five tips to help you power through cravings, while keeping your willpower intact.

1) CONTROL YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Let's face it: you can't eat, smoke or drink something that isn't there, so the first step toward fighting cravings is purging your house of anything that may become a target for temptation. When your cravings overpower your reason, you don't want to be able to quickly get your hands on the item, or you will be very likely to give in! Cravings typically fade in a couple minutes, and if you have to go to the store to get your coveted treat, this gives you time to reconsider.

2) WATER, WATER, ... AND MORE WATER!

Water flushes your body of toxins and can help lessen the uncomfortable feelings that cravings bring. It can also fill your stomach making you feel full, and keep your hands busy and your mind occupied. Plus water is just good for you all around as it benefits your entire body!

3) KEEP BUSY

Ever find how it is those times when you are plopped in front of the TV that the cravings hit? When you are bored it is easy for your brain to turn to thoughts of the object of your craving, however when you are busy this is much less likely to happen.

Keeping busy can mean working out, meditating, or joining a sport or a class, but it doesn't have to be. It could be something as simple as reading a great book, knitting to keep your hands busy, or talking on the phone to a friend. The key? Find what works for you and then incorporate it into your routine.

4) ASK FOR HELP

Enlisting the support and extra will-power of your friends and loved ones can do wonders when you are making a health change. Seek out those people who are great at giving support, and let them know what you are doing and that you could use their help and support. Choose social outings that will be in places with as little temptation as possible, so that you can still get out with friends without having to fight with cravings the whole time.

5) THE ART OF SUBSTITUTION

Rather than depriving yourself, "trick" your brain by swapping unhealthy items with similar, healthy ones. Soon you will find that you enjoy the new item and will be less likely to miss the old, unhealthy one. Examples: try chewing gum or eating baby carrots if you have recently quit smoking, exchanging ice cream for yogurt if dieting, or switching that gooey dessert with some fresh fruit.

Cravings can be tough to beat, but there is a lot that you can do to increase the likelihood that you will succeed. The tips above, combined with will power and hard work, can get you well on your way to better health.

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