Hormones Play a Vital Role in Managing Hunger

Have you been struggling to lose weight due to your so called “appetite”? If so, your body might be rebelling against your eating less food. Appetite control is crucial to long-term weight loss success. Funny how often weight loss is short lived. That’s because most people embark on the wrong weight loss journey. Truth is having to live hungry “day in” and “day out” is an unsustainable strategy that’s doomed from the beginning.

Being in the present when you are eating will allow you to be more mindful of the food you consume and that matters. By fulfilling your appetite in a very natural way, it triggers your body’s responses to satisfy your hunger. Weight loss specialists suggest that anyone seeking permanent weight loss should plan to approach losing weight as a commitment to taking it slow but steady. Modest calorie restrictions and a moderate exercise regime make it easier to keep it off.

Mindful eating is the practice of listening to internal hunger cues and avoiding distractions during the eating process. Savor the taste of food and try these proven tips that promote healthier eating habits:

• Eat Regular Meals – Experts say ghrelin hormone rises around the time your body is expecting you to eat. Eating regular meals packed with balanced nutrients can stabilize hormone production and release. Healthy snacks during the day can help you manage emotional cravings.
• Stay Well Hydrated – Staying adequately hydrated can reduce true hunger pangs and help you manage your appetite’s food cravings. Drink a glass when you feel hungry or throughout the day.
• Pick Healthy Snacks – Not all snacks satisfy hunger equally. Studies suggest that fiber does not break down as quickly as other foods and can be an effective appetite suppressant, especially for overweight or obese individuals.
• Be a Smart Shopper – Making certain that your refrigerator and cupboard are filled with healthy foods starts well before the grocery store door opens. A well planned list will make you a much smarter shopper and will be easier to make good food decisions.
• Stop Eating When Full – Although it sounds like a no-brainer, it assumes you weren’t instructed to clean your plate during your growing years and that you are not eating distracted.

Shedding pounds can be difficult but keeping the weight off can be even more of a challenge. Many people who lose large amounts of weight have problems managing their appetite to control errant feelings of hunger. Once you reach your weight loss goal, it is time to properly manage your menus by slowly adding a few calories to what you eat each day. Nonetheless, don’t throw away all of the progress by overeating or eating things that you know you shouldn’t.

Although the benefits of eating on a smaller plate may have been overstated in the past, the concept does allow you to eat less. Nonetheless, you have to make a commitment to consuming proper portions sizes of the food you’ve chosen. Eating a protein or fiber-rich snack can decrease your hunger and reduce food cravings that can cause a false sense of appetite. For a personalized menu plan that works for you, contact MRC and Get Started Today.