What you eat can curb cravings

WASHINGTON — If the chips, pretzels or chocolate ice cream get the better of you late at night, there are ways to curb those cravings.

Your biology is to blame, according to research out of the Oregon Health & Science University. The research finds your circadian rhythms are hard-wired to make you want salty, starchy and sugary foods at night.

But you can break the cycle and the weight gain that comes with it, according to TODAY Health.

Fill up on produce – Eat a variety of colorful produce throughout the day. A craving indicates your body is missing a particular vitamin or mineral.

Add more protein – Adding more protein earlier in the day reduces snacking, a 2013 study out of the Unviersity of Missour found.

Eat a low-glycemic dinner – Get rid of processed carbs and sugar and opt for foods that are low on the glycemic index and packed with fiber and protein. Think squash and snap peas for vegetables. Here’s a list of vegetables; Harvard University spells out where foods fall on the index.

Do something else – It’s a simple solution, especially since many of those cravings for specific things are often psychological. Other tactics to curb cravings: Give yourself a pep talk and stop binge-watching TV.

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