When people experience a craving, snacks high in calorie and fat can often be the go-to choice used to satisfy them.
Fay Kazzi, a registered dietitian and professor of nutrition at Alvord Unified School District, said it is all about moderation.
“It is not wrong to snack,” Kazzi said. “You just have to be selective of what you crave. It’s also all about portion control. That is really the secret if you want to improve
yourself.”
Rheese Fearing, senior nutrition major, said cravings are caused by deficiency issues.
“(Cravings) can usually be linked to a lack of something in your diet,” Fearing said. “Just making sure that you are getting a wide variety of foods will actually help cut down on cravings.”
Both Kazzi and Fearing said cravings usually peak later in the day when the body is at rest and blood sugar is low. This is the time of day where eating out of boredom is most present. Kazzi suggested to stop eating after 6 p.m.
“By 6 p.m. you might start to get hungry, but also you are sedentary,” Kazzi said. “So whatever energy you have put in adds to your adipose tissues, or fat stores. To resist (a craving)you have to create some sort of habit.”
When cravings come, both Kazzi and Fearing said it is best to steer clear of processed snacks. These foods contain trans-fats, or “bad fats.”
Healthy fats can be found in raw nuts, seeds or hummus will help satisfy the craving for
something salty. To satisfy sweet tooth cravings, dried fruit is a healthier alternative to reach for instead of a chocolate bar.
Kazzi said people should try maintaining a balanced lifestyle because it will help lead to an overall healthier and happier life.
“The best way to resist cravings is going to be through a healthy and moderate
lifestyle. Getting plenty of exercise, positive thinking and healthy amounts of sleep,” Kazzi said. “A general balance is the cure of all craving issues.”
