This is an archive article published on August 26, 2024

Overcome those unwanted cravings with this 5-minute rule

It's time to re-analyse your relationship with food; here's why

Do you often get cravings? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

3 min readNew DelhiAug 26, 2024 04:26 PM IST First published on: Aug 26, 2024 at 04:26 PM IST

How many times have you ditched dieting just because you could not control that unwanted craving? But wait, you do not need to do something so drastic. The next time you are about to take a bite of that decadent chocolate bar, take a step back — for exactly five minutes. Now, you are not alone in wondering how a few minutes can make a difference. Hear us, or well, fitness trainer Rishabh Telang out, who recently took to Instagram to write: “Give yourself five minutes. If you still want that snack, go for it. But 8 out of 10 times, you will be able to control your cravings with this simple hack.”

“We all get cravings, and it’s okay to give in at times. As long as you follow the 80:20 rule, I believe you are completely on track,” added Telang.

Intrigued, we reached out to experts to learn more.

When cravings strike, it is essential to look for strategies to control them. “Furthermore, simply taking five minutes, deep breathing, and guided visualisation can help lower anxiousness and make you reconsider eating your favourite chocolate, ice cream, or chips,” said Fauziya Ansari, dietitian, Apollo Spectra Mumbai.

Those 5 minutes will also detach you from the impulse and redirect your focus toward more constructive thoughts by resetting your brain, stressed Ansari.

“That time can also help with self-reflection; ask yourself what might be triggering these urges. You will get a deeper understanding of your relationship with food and help you understand the exact cause of cravings,” said Ansari.

Eat healthy (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

According to Ansari, this “5-minute strategy will help you in the long run to control the cravings“.

Also Read | This ‘fat loss’ snack can be prepared with ‘just 1 spoon of ghee’

“When you get cravings, stop, and ask yourself if you need it. Remind yourself of your goal and you will be sorted,” said Ansari.

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A post shared by Rishabh (@rishabhtelang)

However, some people eventually tend to give in to cravings and that is a human tendency — which is alright. “It is okay to do so once in a while but not frequently as those cravings can make you pile oodles of weight and even spike your blood sugar levels drastically. It is a good idea to satiate your cravings by opting for healthy options such as dry fruits, fruits or by simply drinking water,” said Ansari.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.