RE: Squeeze your ears
A few days ago at the supermarket I picked up the April issue of "Fitness" magazine. On the last page was a list of 10 ways to bust a craving.
Since junk food has always been the bane of my existence I read it eagerly. I am amazed at myself sometimes. I can go a whole day or two eating and exercising properly and then whammo! one cookie can set me off to eat the whole box at one time. Therefore, I was always wondering how to avoid having that first cookie. By the way, for those out there that can have just one or two and then walk away, I am seriously jealous.
But I digress.
Tip number 8 made me laugh (or guffaw) out loud it sounded so ludicrous. But I gave it a try on my next sweet attack and I swear to you it worked. Have not had a sweet in more than a week. So I have decided to share it with anyone out there who will try it as soon as they stop laughing about it.
Here it is:
"The little triangle of cartilage where the ear meets the cheek is called the appetite control point," says Stephen Shimer, coauthor of "Healing with Pressure Point Therapy" and licensed acupuncture practitioner in Fairfield, California. Each time a craving arises, pinch the area with your thumb and index finger for 30 seconds.
I do a double ear squeeze, holding for a slow count of 30. By the time I release the ear I just don't wanna have that sweet anymore. Personally, I think the double squeeze works best under the theory that if one is good, two is better.
I would love to hear from those of you who try this. Did it work for you?
Anyway, just so I am not called a meanie, I will share the other 9 craving buster tips in case you want to know them all.
1. Wait it out. Cravings have the life span of a fruit fly. They hit hard but last only 10 minutes. So, in the spirit of "I can do anything for 10 minutes," call a friend, pluck your eyebrows, put your hands over your ears and sing "La la la, I can't hear you!" After a measely one sixth of an hour, you'll feel much better.
2, A whiff of banana, peppermint or green apple may help quell food cravings.
3. Brush your teeth, floss and rinse with mouthwash.
4. A daily magnesium supplement (400 milligrams) can curb a chocoholic's urge within a week. The mineral (which is an ingredient in chocolate) helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
5. Pining for sugar and carbohydrates? You may be short of the brain chemical serotonin. Replenish with tryptrophan-rich foods - oats, almonds, warm milk, turkey.
6. Drink lots of water. Expand the stomach with water and feel your cravings disappear. An added benefit: You can't get to the kitchen if you're forever in the bathroom.
7. The Hershey's Kiss might give you an instant high. But so will running. The petite treat adds 26 calories to your daily tallky, while hitting the road for three minutes burns 26 calories. You do the math.
8. Already discussed, and in my opinion, the best of the bunch.
9. According to a 2001 French study, women cave in to cravings when sad or stressed. Instead of eating, soothe yourself by playing your favorite CD or curling up with a beloved book. Men indulge their cravings when happy, proving they really are from another planet.
10. Keep in mind that deprivation can lead to bingeing. You won't find solace in a cookie jar, but you will find a cookie and that's a lovely treat now and then. Food isn't evil, so go ahead and enjoy. Just don't empty the jar.
(My own note for #10: have one or two cookies and start squeezing those ears.)
Maybe instead of the Thighmaster someone should come out with a double ear squeezer, purse size, to carry around for those times we just need a little help. The visual of this slays me.
Hope to "ear" from all of you out there when you have done the squeeze test.
Marlene