Before Starting a Diet: 3 Important Concepts to Know

Do you know that obsessive need to eat a certain food? It's important to distinguish between cravings that signal the body's need to eat or drink and urges driven by entirely different motives. Where do we draw the line, and how do we differentiate between hunger, cravings, and impulses?

Impulse, Craving, Hunger:

The impulse indicates a temporary need that fades if not satisfied. In contrast, a true craving intensifies gradually and is felt over time until something is consumed.

Hunger also manifests as a need to eat but doesn't fixate on a specific food item.

The Big Mistake - Compensation Method:

People often start diets using the compensation method. This involves attempting to eat something dietary in excessive quantities just to avoid consuming high-calorie foods. Here, it might indeed be better to have that one piece of chocolate to satisfy the craving.

According to a study conducted years ago by psychologist Traci Mann, it was found that those who consumed "comfort food" did not experience a quicker improvement in mood compared to those who ate nothing. "Cravings can arise even when we're bored or feel the need for some stimulation," she said.