Sticking to a healthy diet plan can be challenging, especially if you have a sweet tooth. Unfortunately, sugary snacks often contain hundreds of extra calories that can make your weight loss goals difficult to achieve. Below are a few tips for avoiding temptation.

How to Curb Your Sweet Tooth

1. Eat Plenty of Protein

Protein takes longer to digest than carbs or fats, so it makes you feel full longer. This can give you the power to resist indulging in sweets that throw your diet off track.

Some studies have found that people on diet plans that consist of 25% protein have 60% fewer food cravings.

2. Take a Hot Shower

Sugar cravings stem from your body’s desire for dopamine, a pleasure neurotransmitter in the brain, not necessarily hunger. Some people find that a hot shower can interrupt the thought processes that led to your craving, helping you overcome it. For maximum effect, stay under the steam for at least five to 10 minutes. Meditation or listening to soothing music can also stimulate dopamine, helping to satisfy that desire.

3. Get Exercise

Going for a walk or hitting the gym when you have a food craving can have several benefits. Not only is it an excellent distraction, but it also releases endorphins, “feel good” chemicals that can satisfy your body’s need for a reward.

Of course, you’re also getting some exercise, burning fat instead of taking in extra calories. Exercising instead of snacking gives you a sense of control over your diet plan and helps build momentum that can keep you moving forward.

Losing weight requires hard work, but the professionals at Nebraska Weight Management Institute have the tools and resources to help you achieve the results you’ve been dreaming of. They pride themselves on offering safe, scientifically proven solutions and diet plans that help you lose weight and keep it off for life. Visit their website for more on their customized weight loss programs, get diet and health tips on Facebook, or call (402) 483-4770 to reach their clinic in Lincoln, NE. To schedule an appointment at their Omaha location, call (402) 399-9386 today.