One of the main reasons for falling off track when it comes to healthy eating is hunger pangs. When you’re hungry, it’s a lot more difficult to resist grabbing anything and everything that’s available to eat, even if you know it’s not good for you.
Assuming that you’re not attempting a fad diet, which is rarely a good idea, consider these tips for revamping some of your food habits and curbing that constant hunger.
Stay hydrated
Even if you don’t realize it, you may be dehydrated, not hungry. Ideally, you should be drinking water all day long. Staying hydrated will help prevent hunger pangs and unwanted snacking. If water is too boring, switch things up by drinking herbal tea, or adding a squeeze of lemon.
Drink tea first
Many people reach for snacks when they aren’t necessarily hungry, due to boredom or stress. Instead, try making a cup of black or green tea. Not only will you get lots of healthy antioxidants, research has found that tea causes a decrease in the hormone cortisol. Lowered cortisol can help reduce your cravings. Drink a cup and then wait a half an hour to see if you’re still hungry.
Add organic cinnamon to your meals
Cinnamon is not only a delicious spice, it also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and helps prevent the increased storage of fat, aiding in weight loss. As it also helps to slow digestion, it will leave you feeling satisfied longer, helping to curb hunger. Sprinkle it onto a piece of fruit or oatmeal, or add it to a cup of tea.
Take a walk
When the urge to eat unhealthy foods hits, go for a walk. Not only does it provide a great distraction and burns calories, but research has found that people who take a walk before eating tend to eat less. Being active can actually decrease appetite, provided you aren’t performing a heavily strenuous activity like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Avoid processed foods
Most processed foods contain ingredients that can increase cravings. Have you ever noticed that after eating those potato chips, crackers or cookies, you just want more? They are designed that way. By avoiding them you can help avoid a vicious hunger/eating/hunger cycle.
Eat breakfast
It may sound cliché, but it’s true. Eating breakfast can help get your metabolism going and keep you feeling fuller longer. By including protein and healthy fats in your morning meal, it will help you to have more energy and be better able to resist less nutritious fare later in the day.
Satisfy cravings with pleasant aromas
If you’re craving something sugary, use the smell of vanilla or orange to help battle it. Smelling jasmine has been shown to reduce chocolate cravings, while peppermint has been linked to decreased cravings in general.
Sleep
Be sure that you’re getting enough rest each night. A lack of sleep has been found to increase appetite the next day, so you don’t want to skimp on quality rest.
By following these tips you’ll have much better odds of conquering that constant hunger, as well as achieving your weight loss and optimal health goals!
-The Alternative Daily