100-calorie snacks to scratch that food itch
It’s a single thought. I want: potato chips, the crunch & salt. I want: chocolate cake, sliding off the fork. How do you fight these unhealthy food cravings? If you are really craving something sweet, celery won’t cut it.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Food cravings can easily wreck a day of healthy eating. To get to the bottom of it, you need to stop and ask yourself some questions, says registered dietitian Anna Taylor, MS, RD, LD, CDE.
“Is this hunger, based on your body’s physiological needs? Or is it appetite, which is rooted in emotional and mental desire?” she says.
If you’re not sure, she suggests distracting yourself for 10 or 15 minutes before acting on a craving. “Keeping your hands busy can help,” she says. “Do some crosswords, journal, wash dishes or just pet the dog.” Another delay tactic? Brush your teeth or chew peppermint gum.
Not working? Try our dietitian’s 24 mindful substitutions above to scratch that food itch.
If you have daily or frequent cravings you feel you simply cannot ignore, consider working with a counselor or dietitian to get to the root cause(s).
Learn more about our editorial process.
A well-balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce flare-ups and severity of psoriasis symptoms
Stay hydrated, opt for fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean protein — and try to eat snacks and smaller meals throughout your day instead of larger portions
Snacking can bring benefits with healthy food choices and planning
Ground flaxseed is full of heart-healthy omega-3s, antioxidants and fiber, and easy to add to just about any recipe
Actively choose healthy habits not only when it comes to food and nutrition, but also physical activity and your mental health
This strategy doesn’t boost metabolism, but it may help maintain weight loss
Stress, lack of sleep and not eating enough all contribute to sugar hankerings
These breaks may have some benefits — but they promote an unhealthy attitude toward food
Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity
A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses
