We all know the feeling—it's mid-afternoon (or late evening), and that craving for something sweet, salty, or just plain indulgent starts creeping in.
But giving in every time can throw off your diet and weight loss goals.
The good news? There are some simple, effective ways to curb those cravings without feeling like you’re missing out.
Here are five tried-and-true strategies that can help you stay on track.
1. The "Water Before Snack" Trick 💧🍉
Sometimes, what you think is hunger is actually thirst in disguise. Drinking a full glass of water before reaching for a snack can help you determine if you’re truly hungry or just in need of hydration.
Plus, water can help you feel fuller, which might make that snack seem less appealing afterward.
2. Incorporate More Protein into Your Meals 🍳🥗
One of the best ways to fend off cravings is by including more protein in your meals. Protein helps keep you feeling full longer and stabilises blood sugar levels, which can reduce the urge to snack between meals.
Think lean meats, eggs, legumes, or even a handful of nuts. By making protein a regular part of your diet, you’re less likely to experience those pesky cravings that lead to unhealthy snacking.
3. Get Creative with Air-Popped Popcorn 🍿✨
Popcorn isn’t just for movie nights anymore—it's actually a great, low-calorie snack option. Air-popped popcorn is high in fibre and can be flavored in countless ways to suit your taste buds.
Whether you prefer a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy twist or a dash of cinnamon and cocoa powder for a sweet treat, popcorn can be a fun and satisfying snack that won’t derail your healthy eating plan.
4. The "Pickle Juice" Shot 🥒😜
This one’s a bit unconventional, but it’s gaining popularity for a reason. A quick shot of pickle juice can satisfy those salty cravings and provide a good dose of electrolytes.
It’s especially handy if you’re following a low-carb diet or just need something savory without all the calories. Plus, pickle juice is known to help with muscle cramps, so it’s a win-win for post-workout recovery too.
5. The "Brush Your Teeth" Hack 🪥🍭
This one’s a classic, and it works like a charm. The idea is that if you brush your teeth after a meal (or whenever a craving hits), the minty freshness makes sugary or salty snacks less appealing.
And hey, your dentist will thank you too! For an even stronger effect, consider adding in some flossing, water picking, and tongue scraping—after all that effort, you wouldn’t want to spoil that fresh, clean feeling with a snack.
This hack is especially useful after dinner when late-night cravings strike. Who wants to ruin that fresh breath with chocolate, right?
You Might Want A Little Extra Help 🧡
If you find that cravings are still getting the best of you, there’s a gentle nudge that might help.
Lean Up Pre+Probiotic Melts are formulated with slimming probiotics, White Kidney Bean Extract, and L-Arabinose to help regulate appetite and curb cravings.