Photo by Justin Singh
It’s easy to misinterpret hunger pangs and research shows, as a result, we chow down when we aren’t really hungry. In the end, those added calories can result in added pounds. Here are a few tips to eat only when you’re actually hungry:
- Drink a glass of water before dinner. It’s easy for the brain to confuse hunger and thirst.
- Stop picturing chips. Instead, imagine chomping down on an apple. If you aren’t hungry enough to eat the apple, you’re probably not really hungry.
- Get plenty of sleep. Missing out on shut-eye can mess with appetite.
- Calm down instead of eating up. After several deep breaths or other relaxation techniques, decide if you’re still hungry.
- Slow down. It may take up to 20 minutes to feel full. Instead of ordering multiple courses at once when out to dinner, wait ‘til your app arrives to order an entrée to ensure a big enough gap between courses.
The Takeaway: Hunger pangs aren’t always what they seem. Try these tricks to outsmart a grumbling tummy.
Beat the Munchies
Cravings for specific indulgent foods start in the head, not the tummy. But, studies suggest cutting down carbs or fat make us crave those foods less.
Fun Quote:
“A well governed appetite is the greater part of liberty.” — Lucius Annaeus Seneca
