How To Outsmart Your Appetite And Win At Weight Loss
You know the feeling. You’re minding your own business, going about your day, when all of a sudden you get hit with a craving. A big one. The kind of craving that can only be satisfied by an enormous burrito/slice of cake/bag of chips. And not just any old burrito/slice of cake/bag of chips, but the supersized version with all the fixings. Before you know it, you’re halfway to the nearest fast food joint, telling yourself that you’ll just have a “little” taste. We’ve all been there. The good news is, there are ways to outsmart your appetite and win at weight loss. Here are a few tips:
1. Understand Your Cravings
The first step to conquering your cravings is understanding where they come from. Are you really hungry, or are you just bored? Dealing with emotional eating can be tough, but it’s important to be honest with yourself. If you find that you’re often reaching for food when you’re not actually hungry, try finding a different way to cope with your emotions, such as going for a walk or talking to a friend.
2. Eat Slowly and Mindfully
This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: eat slowly and mindfully. When we eat quickly, we tend to eat more than we need to feel full because it takes our brains a little while to catch up with our stomachs. Eating slowly gives our brains time to register that we’re getting full, so we’re less likely to overeat. In addition to eating slowly, it’s also important to pay attention to what you’re eating and how it makes you feel. Not all foods are created equal, and certain foods can leave us feeling sluggish or bloated. Be mindful of how different foods make your body feel and try to stick with those that make you feel energized and satisfied.
3. Plan Your Meals in Advance
One of the best ways to avoid unhealthy cravings is to plan your meals in advance. This way, you won’t find yourself scavenging through your pantry for something quick and easy (read: unhealthy) when you’re feeling too lazy to cook a proper meal. Planning ahead also allows you to control portion sizes and make sure you’re getting the right mix of nutrients. Not sure where to start? Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated — try looking up recipes online or investing in a few cookbooks dedicated to healthy eating.