How many times has it happened to you that your food cravings increase after a cheat day? Most likely it happens every time you end up eating your favourite food.
Going to the gym and eating healthy foods is one thing, but controlling your cravings is one of the most challenging aspects of losing weight. We all have cravings, and it is perfectly normal to crave our comfort foods. However, the problem with giving attention to our cravings is that it not only increases our daily calorie intake but also affects our metabolism. Did you know that most of the time, our cravings result from poor food choices made during our cheat meal? So, if you're going out for brunch, here are the four foods to avoid.
1) Fried Foods
Fried foods are not only high in calories but also high in unwanted oils, sodium, and saturated fat, all of which are excellent craving triggers. Moreover, the high sodium content of fried foods is the reason why we gain weight the next day. Sodium not only makes us bloated but also causes us to retain a lot of water. The worst part about eating fried foods as a cheat meal is that they are even more difficult for our bodies to digest, and they frequently remain in our stomach for days, causing inflammation.
2) Simple Carbs
Whatever diet you choose, keto or carb cycling, all advocate limiting carbohydrate intake. Carbs are an important macronutrient for our bodies, but there are two types: simple carbs and complex carbs. White bread, pasta, burgers, and pizza are all examples of simple carbs. The problem with simple carbs is that they spike our insulin levels, causing weight gain, and they are also easily digested, leaving us with an empty stomach faster. On the other hand, complex carbs are a healthier type of carb that releases slowly in the body and does not spike insulin levels. The golden rule for identifying good and bad carbs is that simple carbs are predominantly white, whereas complex carbs are brown. So you can choose brown rice salad or whole wheat pasta the next time you go out to eat.
Also Read: Weight Gain After Weight Loss: Common Mistakes To Avoid
3) Bakery Products
Any bakery product you consume, whether cookies, doughnuts, or cakes, contains simple carbs and is high in sugar. The problem with sugar is that it stimulates certain brain juices, causing us to crave more and more of it. Moreover, sugar is also white, so make an effort to eat fewer white foods and more darker versions of them.
4) Packed Juices
Although fruit juice is commonly regarded as a healthy beverage, packed juices frequently contain ingredients that trigger cravings. Packed juices also lack fibre, which is why we crave more food after drinking them. Moreover, they are nutrient deficient, and drinking them only increases our calorie intake. The best is if you want to drink juice, choose fresh seasonal fruit juice that is free of preservatives and is made right in front of you.
Also Read: How To Lose The First 5 Kilos Without Dieting
Pro-Tip
Most of the time, our cravings are just an illusion or the result of dehydration. So the next time you crave something, drink a glass of water and wait for 10 minutes. You will be surprised that your comfort food is nowhere in your mind.
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