How to curb your hunger

I have a friend who recently complained to me that she had put on weight on a ‘See Food’ diet. She had put on weight by eating, not because she was hungry, but based on the foods that were being thrust in her face each day.

Most times, we are bombarded by images of food by food commercials, adverts, newspapers and magazines and because we have easy access to supermarkets, fast food joints and restaurants, we feel hungry and eat even when we really aren’t.

We also eat based on our response to how we are feeling. For example, when we are sad and depressed, we reach out for some ice cream and chocolates.

So, how do you stop yourself from eating when you are not hungry? The answer is really simple. By listening to your body! Your body actually tells you when you are hungry, full, or have an appetite. Here’s what you can do to aid your weight loss:

·         Never sit for a meal when you are hungry

This is very important. If you are ravenously hungry, you can curb your appetite before your meal by drinking water or sipping on herbal tea. If you are hungry and your meal time is not anytime soon, have a small snack such as an apple and a handful of nuts.

·         Keep a Journal

Keeping a log is very simple. All you need to do is write what you ate, how you felt before and after the meal, where you ate it at and the time of the day you had the meal. After a week of recording, go through it and see if there is any pattern that needs correcting.

·         Always ask your self certain questions before you eat

Why am I eating? Am I truly hungry? Am I really eating because the clock says its time for a meal. Am I craving sweets because I am upset? These questions will help you make an informed choice on what to eat.

·         Be discerning about Sweets

Studies actually show that if you eat chocolates when you are hungry, you have less control, so you will eat faster and eat more. It is better to eat your sweets at the end of your meal  as dessert as it reduces the strength of cravings.

·         Eat Slowly

It normally takes your brain about 20 minutes to figure out that you are full, so eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, savor the taste of your meal and drink water whilst eating.

·         Practice Interval eating

If you are trying to lose weight, this one is for you. Eat mini meals every 3 or 31/2 hours throughout the day. This helps rave your metabolic rate and helps you lose weight faster.

 

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