NEWS Get busy to stop cravings

KEEPING busy is the secret to staving off cravings for sweet treats.

The more complicated the distraction the better, according to new research.

Scheduling tasks at times of temptation can also fight the need for a sugar fix.

The University of Sussex research, published in the prestigious Appetite journal, found ignoring food cravings doesn’t work.

But setting daily tasks – especially when people were at high risk of snacking or overeating – could reap enormous benefits.

“Engaging in perceptually demanding tasks may be a worthwhile strategy for those wanting to disrupt the cycle of craving at the earliest stage,” co-author Dr Sophie Forster noted.

Researchers had 60 women hold a chocolate bar for two minutes before each was asked to complete a visual search task.

Those assigned a more demanding task were better able to filter out their thoughts about the chocolate.

Dr Forster said the findings could help people control cravings – understood to play a key role in overeating, difficultly controlling weight and triggering food binges.

More intense tasks could make it easier to suppress such thoughts.

“This could have particular value to individuals trying to prevent themselves indulging in a craving,’’ Dr Forster said.

“A person sitting at their desk may spontaneously think about chocolate, which makes them aware of how hungry they are and then increases the likelihood they notice the chocolate bar in their drawer.”

Niddrie mum Tamara Riddell said she often tried to encourage children Heidi, 10, and Nate, 7, to get some fresh air if their minds wandered to sugar cravings.

“I find with my kids if they are asking for sweets they might actually just be tired or bored,’’ Ms Riddell said.

“Especially over Easter, we all had cravings for chocolate just because we knew it was there.”