Well done! Y
ou made it through the first day of your own personal 30-day challenge! So put a big fat X on the calendar and kick butt again today. For day two, as you progress through your 30-day challenge you will no doubt feel tempted by your chosen contraband. So nip this in the bud by coming up with a contingency plan for when the cravings strike. Use our healthy substitution ideas or create your own to keep the cravings at bay and stay on your chosen path.
Sugar-free
A really easy sub here is fruit. Fruit does contain a fairly large amount of sugar, but it is a natural sugar and somewhat balanced out by the fiber content. You will also get a nice dose of vitamins and minerals. So ditch that sugary snack and grab a piece of fruit. You will stay on track and your body will thank you for it.
Vegetarian
A tougher challenge for direct substitutions here. If you start to crave those meaty meals, go for protein and complex carbohydrates to satisfy your hunger. Great vegetarian protein options are whey protein, beans and legumes, greek yogurt, tofu, and eggs.
Gluten-free
Another easier substitution. Stores now carry more and more gluten-free options. Beware, though … gluten-free doesn’t necessarily mean healthy. Read the labels. Look for fewer ingredients and quality, whole ingredients ideally. You can find gluten-free brown rice pasta, gluten-free breads, and more. The best way to be gluten-free is to minimize your processed foods as much as possible. Stick with the healthy classics such as organic brown rice and quinoa.
Your Cravings Solution
Write down the cravings you struggle with the most. Then add the unhealthy foods you crave and find the toughest to resist. Next put a healthy food solution next to each craving or unhealthy temptation.
Keep your cravings solution list accessible throughout your day, so that you have it when the situation arises. This way you don’t even have to think about it; you automatically have the healthier option.
Next time someone asks how you have such great willpower, you can share your new secret weapon!
Share Your Experience With Us
We are so happy you’ve joined us for this 30-day nutrition challenge.
We’d love to hear how you’re doing and what you’ve enjoyed so far. Join us daily here on our blog and on our Fit Body Full Life Facebook Page!
We recommend checking with your physician before making any changes to your diet.
Thanks for the craving solution, it kind of helps. But I am still struggling with some of the snack food cravings. Do you have some more tips to stop that craving? Sometime it is so intense and hard to control.
Have a think about where the craving come from. Is it a habit, did someone else have what you wanted, is it something you don’t normally crave but do now because you have eliminated it? Knowing why you crave something can instantly weaken it’s powers of seduction.
If you are still struggling, I find the best thing to do is to drink plenty of water and keep busy. Every time you get a craving, pick a 15 minute household chore. Do it and reward yourself with something you enjoy that is healthy and part of your own 30 day challenge.
Remember, the tougher the challenge, the greater the victory! Stay strong!