It’s that time of year- when lots of people are eating lighter fare, drinking more water, and doing lots of activity. Part of it is that it’s summer and it’s HOT, but the other part is that people like to lighten things up this time of year. In today’s collaborative post, we are given some tips for lightening things up without getting hangry (it’s a real condition!). As always, thanks for supporting A Spoonful of TLC.
Are you still embracing your winter body? With cooler days, and even rainy days in some parts of the world, no one could blame you for indulging on warming casseroles, stodgy puddings and other forms of comfort food. There’s nothing better than snuggling up in your PJs, binging on a box set and eating a big comforting meal when it’s grey outside. But, hopefully, it won’t be grey for much longer as summer time is on its way.
Whether you’ve started your summer meal plan already, or you are just beginning to think about stripping down to your bikini on the beach, you might be keen to shift a few pounds or tone up. Even the most positive people like to feel confident on and off the beach, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by feeling good in your own skin and feeding your body wholesome, healthy fare.
Whether you are trying to slim down to fit into your bikini, to feel more confident or even if you are perfectly happy with your size but you want to tone up so you are a little fitter and better able to chase your kids around the beach and play in the pool, there’s one thing that many of us struggle with when we’re trying to change our eating habits. Hanger.
Hanger is a portmanteau of hungry and angry. It comes from the idea that the two feelings so often occur together- many of us start to get grumpy when we’re hungry or waiting for a meal. You might find that your patience wears thin, that you are easily annoyed and quick to snap if you haven’t been fed for a while. Usually, that’s fine. You’d grab a snack to put your hanger to bed. But, when you are making changes to your diet and eating habits, you might not want to snack every time you feel a little hangry. If you’ve made some significant changes, you might even find that your hanger is more prevalent. You might find that you are irritable, miserable, grumpy and downright moody, all because of a bit of hunger. Instead of giving in to the hanger monster and either raging at everyone or eating the world, let’s take a look at some ways to beat it.
Check Your Diet and Do some Research
Dieting doesn’t have to mean that you are hungry all of the time nor should it mean that you can’t eat if you are. In the first few days of any diet change, you are bound to feel a little hungry, but if it goes on for longer than this, ask yourself if it’s right for you.
If you are looking to lose a significant amount of weight, there might be some advantages to a very low calorie diet (VLCD), but, even then, it’s essential to research the advantages and disadvantages before you get started. It’s also crucial that you are prepared for how it might affect your lifestyle.
Remember, there are plenty of options when it comes to dieting. If you don’t want to lose weight, just gain fitness, muscle and stamina, you might be better making healthy swaps, instead of reducing calories, and increasing your daily exercise. Some people find intermittent fasting, or practicing a 16:8 plan is effective for them, and others prefer to use a structured diet plan or points scheme. Some people find that ignoring diets altogether, and instead focusing on what they eat, instead of how much, is beneficial.
Research diets, learn more about your body and try to find something that suits you. If you are feeling hungry all of the time, it might suggest that you aren’t doing the right thing for your body and your health.
Eat Little and Often
One great way to avoid hunger is by eating more often. In many other countries, it’s the norm to eat five small meals every day, instead of three large ones. When you eat like this, you are less likely to snack or fill up on fatty foods, and you are less likely to find yourself picking late at night. Your body will quickly adjust to this new eating pattern, and you can still reduce your calorific intake.
Drink Plenty of Water
Credit – https://pixabay.com/photos/aqua-drinking-water-potable-water-3543817/
Have you ever heard that if you feel hungry, you should try drinking a glass of water first, in case you are just thirsty? Most people think that they can tell the difference, but are then amazed to find that water fills a gap and makes them feel better.
Sipping water throughout the day can help to keep hunger at bay and improve your mood. Drinking a full glass before you start eating a meal will also help you to feel full faster, and stop you from overeating.
Exercise
If you are hangry, exercise might be the very last thing that you want to do. But, as long as you have eaten, and you sip water while you are exercising, it won’t hurt you. It will even take your mind off your hanger, boost your mood and give you a great adrenaline rush.
The hour after you stop exercising is the best time to eat carbohydrates like pasta, which are very filling. So, if you want to indulge, this is the best time to do it.
Do Something Fun
We often get angry or moody when we’re hungry because our hunger is all that we can think about. You might find it hard to focus on work if you are hungry, causing you to become more annoyed and impatient with yourself. So, why not do something fun to take your mind off it. Chat with a friend, play a game, go for a walk or listen to some music.
Pack a Snack
Credit – https://pixabay.com/photos/apple-diet-female-food-fresh-2391/
Just because you are dieting, doesn’t mean that you can’t eat. There’s nothing wrong with a healthy snack like a piece of fruit if you need one. Make sure you carry a healthy snack with you to help beat the hanger, and you’ll be much less likely to grab something convenient and unhealthy while you are away from home.
