7 Strategies to Curb Cravings, Practice Mindful Eating & Lose Weight for Good

For no known reason, I've been regressing to old cravings of past. And no, I'm not with child. That ship has sailed.

Foods like Pringles and Peanut Butter M&Ms have been calling to me, even though I know how terrible they are for my body and my mind.

What's going on? I've been under some stress lately (OK, a LOT), so that's no doubt contributing. But, I also know better.

Perhaps it's time for a reminder... a perfect opportunity to feature this submission from guest blogger, Dr. Rovenia M. Brock (aka Dr. Ro).

Here's what Dr. Ro has to say...

America, we have a problem. More than two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. The statistics are staggering, but they shouldn't lead us to believe the problem is insurmountable. In fact, it's not, and there's plenty of proof. More than a half-million people have lost over 50 million pounds by learning to conquer their food cravings that have little to do with physical hunger.

Because our food choices are mostly driven by emotional rather than physical hunger, we eat to satisfy some kind of longing. It's critical that we redirect our emotional eating.

Every time you're at a decision point with food -- which, by the way, happens over 200 times a day for most Americans -- stop and take a few breaths. Ask yourself: What is the best choice for the body I want?

Beat the defeat of unhealthy eating habits and get back to your optimal weight by using these seven strategies that work:

1) Embrace the number "15". Science shows that people enjoy greater success by tackling weight loss in small increments. It's much easier to think of losing 15 pounds than to worry about losing all your excess weight at once. Dieters can accomplish success 15 pounds at time by eating 15 appropriately sized servings of power-packed foods a day, revving up their metabolism by exercising in 15-minute chunks, and spending 15 minutes a day nourishing their minds with relaxation techniques.

2) Get your rest. We Americans are an exhausted bunch of people. Although sleep researchers recommend 7-8 hours per night, studies show that 30 percent of us get fewer than six hours of sleep a night. The more sleep-deprived you are, the higher your risk of obesity. When you deprive yourself of adequate sleep, fatigue lowers your ability to resist cravings.

Want the other five strategies? Access the full blog by CLICKING HERE.