Controlling Hunger

Again the weekend is upon us and yet another chance to indulge, but here are a few ideas to help you do it wisely so you don't blow everything you worked so hard for this week! First, don't let yourself go ANYWHERE starving - if you haven't eaten anything within three hours of going out, have an apple, a slice of cheese, some nuts, or maybe a hard-boiled egg - apples are great at stabilizing your blood sugar, and the fat and protein combination of the other foods is extremely good at making you feel satisfied without making you too full; both are slow to digest, which helps particularly if you are having cocktails before your dinner. If you eat a really heavy, fattening, rich and delicious meal, follow it by five healthy (but still delicious!) meals - this will ensure you are eating the right way at least 80 percent of the time. Second, make sure you drink plenty of water, and I'm talking eight to ten glasses a day (in addition to anything else you drink). Many times when you think you are hungry, you are really thirsty, so reach for a water glass before the leftovers!! Then, if you are still hungry, think about eating a big juicy steak - if it sounds good to you, you are probably hungry; if it doesn't, go find something else to do - you're not that hungry. Third, when you are hungry, eat something that you like. You can eat all the rice cakes in the world but you won't be satisfied - your brain isn't happy, and neither is your stomach. Even if what you really want is high in fat and sugar, have a small portion. Just one spoonful of ice cream satisfies the pleasure center of the brain, so enjoy what you eat. If it's too difficult for you to spoon a half a cup of ice cream into a dish while not eating another half a cup off the spoon while you're doing it, buy individually wrapped portions of your favorite foods. Sure it's more expensive, but it's nothing compared to the regret and frustration of giving in and eating the whole thing. Next, clean out your refrigerators and cupboards of all the junk that tempts YOU - it's not the same for everybody. That way, if you have to jump in your car and go get it, it has to be really worth it to go to the trouble. And last, keep a positive attitude - be optimistic, challenge yourself, socialize. When your stress levels are low and you are busy having fun, you won't be focused so much on food. This way, when you do eat, you aren't fighting with yourself - you are better able to decide if you want to go forward or backward. Hope this is helpful! Melissa