What are the alternatives for junk food?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 35 year old female. I often find it challenging to resist cravings for junk food. I would like to know the specific health risks associated with the frequent consumption of junk food. What strategies do you suggest for managing and reducing cravings, especially while having stress or emotional triggers? What are some healthy and balanced alternatives to common junk food items? I am particularly interested in incorporating nutritious and satisfying foods into my diet. Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

A food craving is an intense desire for a specific food. Some common causes of craving may include:

A. Physical causes:

Leptin Ghrelin imbalance.
Pre or peri-menopausal stage.
Sleep disturbance.
Nutrient deficiency (especially low carbs).
Poor hydration.
Poor gut health.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Refined and processed food intake.

B. Mental Cause:

Huge stress.
Impulsive personality.
Contextual eating.
Emotion.

Management of junk food cravings:

Improve physical and mental causes first.
Improve probiotics in the diet.
Check meal combination.
Add hot drinks especially green tea to cut down cravings.
Add pickles to your diet. This will improve vitamin B12 as pickles contain whole spices.
Take two teaspoons of curd with three to four pieces of raisin to reduce sweet cravings.
Munch on mixed nuts and seeds and take a glass of cold water.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Thank you.