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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How do I control chocolate cravings?

    Related Topics
    Nutrition Weight Management
    I eat to much of it
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    Alysha Coleman

    Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor, Psychologist

    Alysha is the Primary Clinical Psychologist and Director of The Institute for Healthy Living, a clinical psychology practice in Bondi Junction. Alysha has worked with … View Profile

    To add to the great answers above, It is important to recognise that we cannot  'control' or ‘stop’ a sugar or chocolate craving from occurring in the first place. We all have them at one time or another for a range of physiological and psychological reasons. If you can accept that these occur and that you do not need to act on it, it may be easier to shift your focus to riding out the craving. Cravings usually never last more than 15 minutes. As Manal mentioned, it is useful to refocus your attention. There are two functions or refocusing: soothing and addressing any emotions that are contributing to the craving whilst also distracting yourself from focusing on the craving. 
    Goodluck! 

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    Evelyn Vo

    Nutritionist

    I am a Nutritionist that operates in 2 locations: Melbourne CBD (Wednesdays and Fridays) and Heidelberg (on Saturday mornings). I do not believe in the … View Profile

    Great Answers! One thing I want to add is trying to eat the chocolate mindfully.

    You can also try substituting it with darker chocolate. I learnt that with some people, rather than cutting the food item out entirely, substituting it with a healthier close alternative works better. So maybe try 70% dark, then work on slowly cutting down the size and the amount you eat per day/per week. When reducing the amount, this includes physically reducing it in your kitchen and office space, not just the amount you eat. Out of sight out of mind.

    These things can take time so don’t be hard on yourself. When you fail, try and try again.

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    Kirsty Woods

    Exercise Physiologist

    Hi I’m Kirsty Woods,I would like to use my experience, expertise and passion to help you reach your weight, energy and health goalsI have been … View Profile

    In our metabolic management clinic some clients have reported improved cravings with a magnesium/chromium supplement or mixing a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water (or soda water).

    Recent research has also shown HIIT (high intensity interval tranining) can help control apetite in certain individuals. 

    Also as mentioned above dark chocolate not only has a better nutritional value and is harder to eat a lot of it. All the best!

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    Dr Surendar Advani

    GP (General Practitioner)

    I love to see patients of all ages and gender and ethnic backgrounds. Providing continued, community- based, whole patient care is my primary goal. View Profile

    One way of controlling any addiction is mental imagery. It means that it is a regular exercise of imagining the object sitting on the table but imagining that you are not eating it. 

    Basically it is a way of deconditioning or unlearning the craving response. 

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