Even if your diet is impeccable, there will be times when you’re faced with a craving for something not-so-healthy. Whether it’s a craving for pizza during a football game or ice cream on a Friday night, it can be very frustrating dealing with these cravings when you are trying to lose weight. If you are having trouble dealing with cravings, you need to have more willpower. Here are five ways to boost your willpower.
Get Enough Sleep
A very simple way to fight cravings is to get enough sleep at night. Getting enough rest will reduce your body’s need for glucose, which will boost your self-control. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. “Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep” offers some easy suggestions to help improve your slumber.
Keep Temptations Out of Sight
Temptation is everywhere, so you have to do your best to avoid it at all costs. For example, if you love sweets, do not have them in your house. If you can’t say no to fast food, don’t drive past fast food restaurants on your way to work. Making these types of tiny tweaks to your lifestyle can help improve your willpower and keep your diet on track.
Eat the Right Foods
Fueling your body with healthy food not only provides your body with energy but also boosts your willpower. Fiber-rich foods, in particular, can help keep you satisfied longer and delay hunger pangs. The less hungry you are, the less likely you’ll reach for that fatty snack. Protein-rich snacks – such as a men’s whey protein shake – can also help you ward off hunger and stay full.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
If you completely deny yourself the foods you love, you are more likely to ruin your diet. However, if you allow yourself to cheat once a week, you will not feel deprived. For example, if you do well on your diet this week, allow yourself to enjoy a couple of pieces of pizza or a piece of chocolate cake for dessert on Saturday. Knowing that you have something to look forward to at the end of the week will motivate you to do well on your diet. “How to Stay Motivated” contains more tips to help you stick to your diet plan.
Stay Distracted
A good way to boost your willpower is to keep yourself busy throughout the day. Read a book, go on a walk with a friend or work on a project for work. Keeping yourself busy will help you stay focused on things other than food. Better yet, hit the gym whenever you feel junk food cravings kick in.
