Relying on my mind to know when I'm hungry doesn't work. I convince myself to eat because it's been (fill in the blank) hours since I ate. Instead, I stopped watching the clock and let my stomach do the thinking.
My mind doesn't tell me when I'm hungry. My stomach does.
Eating when REALLY hungry works for babies, who are mostly at healthy weights. Even naturally slim people do this. Learn to listen to your body again!
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This relates closely to Intuitive Eating. It means you only eat when hungry, but stop between satisfaction and hunger.
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When I'm not sure if my hunger is real hunger or 'mouth hunger', I pop a strong mint (like Altoids™), in my mouth. If it isn't real hunger, I don't really want to put anything else in my mouth after a strong taste like that.
If I ever think I am hungry, I stop and try to see why--food images, stress, upset stomach, boredom. Oftentimes it is easier to say no to food when I know why I am craving it. Failing that, I drink some water and reevaluate my hunger in 15 minutes, living in a desert makes it hard to stay hydrated at the best of times, so thirst is often misinterpreted as hunger for me.
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I want to munch when stressed and bored--not good for waistlines.
Next time you crave something, stop and ask yourself: Is it real hunger or is it emotional hunger?? If you haven't eaten in 3 or 4 hours, it's probably hunger, but if you are stressed, upset, even happy about something--it's probably emotional hunger.
Do you feel tired, cranky and hungry in the afternoon at work? Take advantage of your workspace, and put pep in your step with these energy boosting tips!
