Over the past 3 years, I’ve been struggling to give up eating chocolate. The reason behind it is the fact that the precious candy conceives me acne. Now, I know there are millions of theories and studies about that being true, but whether or not been true, living without chocolate had a major improvement on my skin.
The processes I’ve been testing can have a positive income for those who want to stop eating or drinking something, considering that, here are my top 6 tips for you:
1. Don’t cut it out immediately: some can set themselves free from the object and stay a long time without it, but suddenly that desire for the dish or drink can come in an outrageous way and you just can’t push it away. So, if you consume it every day, try and skip one day and having it alternated and in each week you add one day to the break. (Ex.: eat chocolate Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday… and keep going on)
2. Try to replace it for a healthier substance: explore fruits to use as your candy, for instance. Research for the fruit you like the most and use it as the food or drink you are trying to give up. In my experience I chose banana that can go on mostly everything chocolate goes on, as in: cakes, milkshakes, muffins, cereal bars, pies, mousses, smoothies, pizza, ice cream… anyway, all kinds of desserts.
3. Trick the temptation: the need for that sweet taste seems somewhat impossible to get rid of, but temptation is often activated by our eyes and we can trick our brain. If that agony comes, watch commercials of replacements for the thing you are desiring, but let yourself enjoy it, don’t keep checking with your brain if you still want your ex-lover, just let yourself fall for something else. Publicity does have that power.
4. Eat/drink a lot before a big mistake: as an alternative for number 3, when having a temptation, eat or drink other things to fill up your stomach before you reach the enemy side. If you don’t want to eat a lot, drink lots of water, it does help and provide a similar sensation of fullness.
Just pretend its water ;)
5. With or without it: when we are addicted to some kind of complement like chocolate, we tend to think that a certain dessert won’t taste the same as without it, and that’s true. The thing is: it doesn’t mean that will taste worst. Don’t judge a Carrot Cake without chocolate topping. Some can even taste better. You shouldn’t stop eating a dish you like because it includes the trying-to-avoid, you can change the recipe.
6. Donate what is left of the substance: maybe, physically, it will just blind you from seeing and, consequently, wanting it, but donating for those who don’t have anything to eat or drink will surely do your soul good.
After all, there is no need to cut some pleasures completely of your routine, moderation and healthiness are keys to a great and enjoyable life.