In today's post, we are going to talk about why junk food is so addictive and what you can do to cut the cravings and quit eating junk food for good!
Are you a junk-food junkie? It is hard not to be one with a fast-food joint on every corner and TV advertisements for a super-size this or that every 15 minutes.
But here are some ways you can use to kick your addiction to unhealthy (and expensive) fast food.
This post may contain affiliate links, this means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. You can read our full, very boring disclosure here.
Contents
Go on a Sugar Fast
More and more research is pointing to the fact that sugar is addictive. In much the same way that cocaine can be addictive. (Crazy huh?)
Sugar activates the reward center in our brain much the same way that drugs do, and provokes similar cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
-Healthline
Going on a sugar fast is absolutely one of the best ways to kick the sugar habit.
When you cut out sugar completely your body stops craving it.
The hard part is cutting out ALL the sugar.
This sounds easy, but it's hidden in so many places! (Corn syrup, bread, juice)
It can sneak up on you, even when you're trying your hardest, so keep a keen eye out.
Avoid Mindless Eating
Do you realize how many calories you are ingesting when eating that bag of potato chips or bag of chocolates in front of the TV or at your desk at work?
Most likely not.
When eating, but focused on something else, it is easy to stuff yourself with junk food calories.
One way to avoid mindless eating is to not have junk food available in the first place.
Instead have healthy snack bars, a small bag of nuts or some peanut butter and crackers to snack on.
By planning ahead and having a healthy snack with you, you can avoid eating hundreds of calories in a day that you don’t need.
The second way is to focus on eating.
In other words don’t be doing something else, to the point you don’t realize what you are eating.
When eating becomes secondary to what you are doing, it is easy to lose track of what you are eating.
Fill up on Fiber
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a good way to fill up instead of eating junk food.
Because they contain a lot of fiber, they keep you full longer, but without adding tons of calories and unhealthy saturated fat.
Plan Ahead of Time When Eating Out
If you plan on eating out, plan what you are going to have before getting there.
That way you won’t be tempted to just go with some unhealthy option loaded with extra calories and fat that you don’t need.
Almost all of the fast-food chains have their nutritional information posted on their website, making it easy to research options.
You can also eat a few healthy snacks before you go, and order smaller, healthier side options. I really love keeping a few Larabars in my purse for "just in case."
They are great because they are made from only a couple of ingredients. (Seriously, a lot of the flavors have just 2 ingredients. Usually dried fruit and nuts)
Avoid the Temptation
One sure way to avoid eating junk food is to not have it around.
Avoid buying candy, chips, cookies and other processed foods that may tempt you.
Instead, load up on fresh fruits and vegetables that are low in calories and fat, but high on satisfying fullness due to the fiber they contain.
This means cleaning out your kitchen and fridge.
Spend a couple of hours "detoxing" your kitchen and get rid of all the junk!
Play your favorite music and spend the time reflecting on what you really want out of all of this (Hint: A healthier, happier life!)
Addiction to junk food is as powerful as any other type of addiction, but you can “kick the habit” with these 5 tips.
Don’t be a slave to food; instead, make it work for you and help attain your healthy lifestyle goals.
If you commit to getting healthier and commit to a plan, you can do anything!