20 METHODS TO STOP CRAVINGS IN 5 MINUTES OR LESS

Cravings are mainly happening in your head, whether from habit or from a trigger food. The idea
is to get your brain and body onto a totally different track. First, drink a glass of water and take
three deep breaths. Then try one of the following. Over time you'll figure out what types of things
work best for you.
1) Go outside: take a quick walk, enjoy the fresh air, sniff the breeze, pull some weeds.
2) Exercise for 5 minutes: Walk up and down the stairs, stand up from your chair ten times, do
jumping jacks, sit ups or push ups.
3) Dance! If you have kids, dance with them, or play tag.
4) Note of Appreciation: Write a quick email or note thanking someone for something they have
done for you, or what you appreciate about them.
5) Say something nice to someone in person!
6) Write down 5 things you're grateful for.
7) Do some stretches, or if you do yoga -- strike a pose you enjoy.
8) Sit, close your eyes, and remember something nice that happened recently, in as much detail
as you can.
9) Take a nap - sometimes we reach for food as a pick-me-up, when what we really need is
sleep. A 5 to 10 minute power nap can work wonders.
10) Check off something on your to-do list that doesn't take much time. Make the appointment,
pay a few bills, clear the trash out of your car, clean out your purse.
11) Laugh! Read, watch, or listen to something funny.
12) Pray or meditate for a few minutes.
13) Focus on something beautiful: Smell some flowers, look at a favorite painting, watch the
sunset, or light a candle and admire its scent and glow.
14) Listen to an uplifting song -- better yet, sing one!
15) Spend 5 minutes de-cluttering.
16) Plan something fun to do with a friend or partner.
17) Drink something warm -- a cup of tea, or bouillon with a little olive oil in it (there is recent
research showing that olive oil contains a substance that may suppress appetite).
18) Hug someone, or cuddle with a pet. Physically contact with other living things is destressing.
19) Write in your journal. If you don't have one, it's as close as opening a file on your computer.
20) Cut up some vegetables to make prep for the next meal easier.