One of my biggest challenges when I started cutting back on calories was not feeling full. This is a natural feeling when you are trying to shrink your stomach. Think of your stomach like a big balloon, for years you've been putting a large pizza into it, but now you're only eating half of a large pizza... there is so much space left you think you are still hungry. But you're not.
For awhile, while your body adjusts, you will get these... hunger pangs. These will eventually go away once your brain and stomach sync up. I've compiled some tips to help you stop thinking about eating more food, when you aren't really hungry, times when you're bored, or sad, or lonely... times when you just ate but your brain hasn't had time to process that food yet.
So here's what you do:
- Drink a large glass of water. Studies have shown you may not actually be hungry, but thirsty!
- Chew gum.
(If you haven't seen this stuff on the Biggest Loser, you live in a cave.)
- Brush your teeth. I know you're scratching your heads right now but if you've ever taken a drink of coffee or soda or eaten something right after that minty taste fills your mouth, you'll get this.
- Distract yourself. Call a friend, play game, grab a book, knit something, play with your kids, take your dog on a walk, do anything but walk into the kitchen.
If none of these things seem to help, and you're still "hungry" or just want to fill your belly with something, try to choose wisely. Think high fiber, low calorie foods like popcorn (not the movie theater kind!) or fruits and vegetables.
Top choices of high fiber, low calorie foods:
- Raspberries
- Apples
- Pears
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Green Peas
- Turnip Greens
- Raw Carrots
- Boiled Broccoli
*list of foods taken from Livestrong.com
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