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How to Stop Food Cravings Naturally

by | Jun 3, 2023 | Hormones, Mental Wellbeing

Feeling Great Naturopath Corowa Melbourne Online Australia

How to Stop Food Cravings Naturally

12 Weird & Effective Ways to Curb Food Cravings

Food cravings can feel uncontrollable, making it harder to lose weight and keep it off. Often, these cravings aren’t due to real hunger but rather emotional triggers, habits, or nutrient imbalances.

Highly processed, sugary foods are the most common culprits, but the good news is that cravings can be managed naturally.

Ready to take control? Try these 12 powerful and science-backed strategies to reduce food cravings and support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

12 Tips to Stop Food Cravings

1. Use Blue Plates for Meals

This may sound strange, but blue is a natural appetite suppressant! Studies show that eating from blue plates or using blue napkins reduces food intake.

  • On the flip side, red, yellow, and orange tend to increase appetite, which is why fast-food chains often use these colors.

Try this: Swap your dinnerware for blue and see if it helps you eat more mindfully!

2. Smell Vanilla to Trick Your Brain

The sweet aroma of vanilla can reduce sugar cravings by fooling your brain into thinking it has already satisfied its sweet tooth.

Try this: Keep a vanilla-scented candle, essential oil, or vanilla bean nearby when cravings strike.

3. Wait It Out – Cravings Don’t Last Forever

Cravings typically last only 15-20 minutes. If you distract yourself, you’ll likely forget about the craving altogether.

How to tell real hunger from cravings:

  • If an apple sounds appealing, you’re likely hungry.
  • If only cookies, chips, or sweets sound good, it’s just a craving.

Try this: When cravings hit, go for a walk, read a book, or call a friend.

4. Add More Spices to Your Food

  • Replacing sugar and salt with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger not only adds flavor but also curbs cravings.

Why it works:

  • Cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar.
  • Cloves reduce sugar cravings.
  • Spicy foods boost metabolism and reduce appetite.

Try this: Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal, coffee, or smoothies!

5. Get Enough Sleep to Control Hunger Hormones

  • Lack of sleep increases ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungrier. It also lowers leptin, which tells your brain you’re full.
  • Aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep to help regulate appetite.

Try this: Establish a consistent bedtime routine and avoid screens before bed.

6. Exercise to Reduce Hunger

  • Regular movement balances hunger hormones and naturally reduces appetite.
  • A study found that 30 minutes of exercise helps people eat fewer calories throughout the day.

Try this: Take a short walk before meals or add strength training to your routine.

7. Take Vitamin B3 for Sugar Control

Vitamin B3 supports blood sugar regulation, which can help reduce sugar cravings and even curb alcohol cravings.

Try this: Include B3-rich foods like turkey, chicken, salmon, and peanuts in your diet.

8. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners – They Make Cravings Worse

Artificial sweeteners trick the brain, making it crave more sugar rather than less.

Instead, choose:

  • Natural sweeteners like honey or dates.
  • Whole foods that offer natural sweetness without artificial chemicals.

Try this: Swap diet soda for sparkling water with lemon.

9. Eat Dark Chocolate to Satisfy Sweet Tooth

Dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) helps suppress cravings better than milk chocolate.

Why it works:

  • The bitter taste reduces appetite.
  • Stearic acid in dark chocolate slows digestion, keeping you full longer.

Try this: Enjoy two small squares of dark chocolate when cravings hit.

10. Try Tofu – It Contains a Natural Appetite Suppressant

Tofu contains genistein, a compound that helps reduce hunger.

🛠 Try this: Add tofu to stir-fries, smoothies, or salads for a plant-based protein boost.

11. Take a 15-Minute Walk to Reduce Cravings

Research from the UK found that a short 15-minute walk can cut cravings by 12%.

Try this: Next time a craving strikes, step outside, stretch, or do light movement.

12. Visualize Yourself Eating the Craved Food

Sounds odd, but a study found that people who imagined eating their favorite foods ate 61% less when they actually had them.

Try this: Close your eyes and picture yourself eating the food you’re craving. Your brain will feel more satisfied without overindulging.

Ready to Take Control of Your Food Cravings?

Food Cravings don’t have to control you! Try one or two of these natural strategies and see what works best for you.

Need personalized support? Book a consultation today—I’d love to help you achieve your health and wellness goals! 💚✨

I have a tips on how to stop feeling hungry all the time! Read This. Which of these tips will you try first? Let me know in the comments!