My mother gave up her favorite thing for lent; sugar.

This meant no refined sugar— which is one of the hardest things a mom can do, or at least my mom, as she had to give up wine and Swedish Fish. I asked her how she could stay away from her favorite things, and she said distractions and runs.

Everyone has different methods.

I have had a difficult time eating healthy today; because I can not cook anymore; or meal prep after my surgery on my hand. I learned to adapt and use some tools such as trays and utensils to help me eat my normal diet, and I asked for help! If you do not have any help at home; there are so many utensils and tools out there to help you to cook; avoiding that take-out food or craving.

People with disabilities may find it more difficult to fight their cravings because it is not easy to walk away from something. We do not have the time, energy, or ability to prepare healthy meals, and our medications may lead to weight gain. Some of us may have difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Some of us have difficulty reaching items on the shelves that are considered hard to reach; some of us may have difficulty chopping food or cooking fresh ingredients. As a result, our cravings are a lot of the time an exception because we end up ordering take-out or fast food because being healthy; is sometimes difficult. I hear you. I really do.

Making a small lifestyle change can make a dramatic difference. Don’t be afraid to use the handy dandy tools made for us especially to have a healthy lifestyle! Bring a family member home to rearrange your kitchen so the unhealthy food is on the top shelves!

We can start small by cooking one day a week! One may turn to two, two may turn to three! You’ll realize that cooking is not only fun; but healthier and a little challenge! Give it a go! Try a nice breakfast recipe and start off with easy overnight oats!

Cutting sugar is second nature because I have been cutting sugar, at least artificial sugar, for a long time. I started by keeping a clean and wholesome diet; with unprocessed goods to feel more satisfied. I like to fill my diet with a lot of protein to provide a lot of energy to keep my diet's satisfied. Filling your diet with more protein will reduce cravings significantly, making you feel full much longer. Try meal planning for the week too! So you know exactly what you are going to eat, leaving you to be less tempted to eat junk for the following meal. Drinking some water can help with food cravings or reduce cravings as a glass of water is sometimes misunderstood for hunger.

Sometimes cravings are so heavy that even a healthy diet can’t save them. Everything takes time, though. It took me years into having good “willpower” against sugars! Sometimes, cravings are so strong you might have to walk away.

Cravings may happen because you are hungry or stressed, so try as best as you can to fight the two! Try to avoid getting very hungry, and eat small meals throughout the day! One of the biggest things too; do not go to the supermarket hungry, or else you will fill your house with treats that will not treat you so well either!

More than 50 percent of people experience cravings regularly. It may develop weight gain, food addiction, and binge eating.