It’s that time of year again.
What time you ask?
Time to control our cravings for delicious and fattening
food.

With the shorter days, less sunlight and the non-stop
holidays, many of us will give in to our cravings for
the high calorie carbs, sugary desserts and alcoholic beverages,
and if exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables or just
abstaining proves too difficult, then you may want to try this
simple trick to curb out-of-control cravings.

The simple trick:
Sniff some mint.
No, that’s not a joke or a misprint, scientists say just breathe in
the scent of peppermint from fresh leaves, essential oil or mint tea.

The scientists asked a few dozen people to do this for five days and
many reported feeling less hungry and they consumed about 1,200
fewer calories than those who didn’t sniff mint.

Why and how does peppermint work?
Peppermint decreases the appetite by increasing the levels of
leptin (the hunger hormone), which tells us when we’re full.

So, if you or a loved one needs a simple trick to combat the sweets
and treats that’ll be around for the next few months, head to your
local grocery store, health food store or beauty shop and pick
up some mint leaves, essential oils or herbal peppermint tea
and take a few deep whiffs whenever a craving strikes.

One more tip:
Vanilla extract is also rumored to work on your cravings just like
peppermint, but be careful, it (the vanilla) may also make you think of
sweet treats and baked goods, so be careful.
Another tip:
Boil a few cups of water and add either peppermint leaves (or oil)
or vanilla extract, turn off the heat and let the scents waft throughout
the house while you’re cleaning, exercising or working from home.

Here’s wishing you good luck in controlling your cravings
from October 31st (Halloween) right up to Valentine’s day,
(chocolate and champagne).

Sources:
* Wheeling Jesuit University, West Virginia
* First For Women, Oct. 21, 2024
* Dr. Amy Shah, M.D. & Nutritionist

Please pass this article on to family and friends who struggle with
fall and winter cravings.
Share it over at Facebook, Instagram (stories), Snapchat, Pinterest,
Reddit, Tik-Tok and X (Twitter).

Thank-you!