An intense
desire for specific food is called a food craving. Food cravings can disrupt
efforts of following a specific diet and also have adverse effects on health. A
craving can be triggered by seeing, smelling or hearing about a specific food item.
There are two types of cravings namely selective craving and nonselective
craving.

A craving for a specific food is called
a selective food for example a certain flavour of ice cream or a certain type
of pizza. Nonselective craving is the desire to eat anything. It can be a sign
of thirst or real hunger.

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Here a few ways to control cravings:

Chewing gum

Chewing gum can control cravings as
they keep the mouth busy and reduce craving for sweet and salty items.

Getting enough sleep

Not getting enough sleep contributes to overeating and weight
gain as sleep can alter the body’s hormonal balance.

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Drinking plenty of water

Hunger and thirst can produce very similar sensations,
potentially leading people to confuse the feeling of thirst for hunger.

Changing the route

Long term habits like getting fast food on your way home from work
can also cause cravings every time you go back home from same route. Changing
the route can help you change the habit and end the craving whenever you go
back home.

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Reducing stress levels

Stress can cause over eating and a variety of health issues.
Stress can promote people to crave for their comfort food every time they are
under stress.