Hangry: The state of becoming angry due to hunger. I have always had this issue. Eric had to learn this lesson the hard way…it entailed a road trip, too many passed exits, and then not being able to find an exit afterwards when he was ready to stop for many miles. Long story short, it didn’t end well for anyone in the car. Eric jokes that I become a different person when I’m hungry and that after I eat he can literally see the light come back in my eyes.
So, since I’ve tried to become an expert on hanger to protect the innocent around me, here’s some of my best tips on how to avoid hanger and to suppress your appetite.
1. HYDRATE. I know this might sound crazy, but many times when you think you are hungry, your body is actually trying to tell you it is thirsty! Make sure to down at least 8 glasses of water per day. Try to drink half a glass of water and wait several minutes to see if you notice the hunger passes. Note, if you are exercising, pregnant or dealing with elevated temperatures, you may need more. Drink up, darlin’!
2. FIBER. Whether you load your plate with beans, fruits, vegetables or whole grains, the more fiber you have, the fuller you will feel with less calories. For instance, if you choose whole grain bread over white bread, you’ll have more sustained energy through the extra fiber consumption.
3. PROTEIN. Protein is one of the best filler-upper’s you can find! You are way less likely to feel hungry again in an hour if you choose protein over white pastas or rice. Silk Soymilk has 8 grams of plant-powered protein per serving, no cholesterol and is low in saturated fat so it packs a powerful punch if you don’t want to eat chicken 5 times a day! You can easily whip up a smoothie with Silk, some ice and a few fruits tossed in. Nuts are also another great option while you’re on the go.
4. SLOW DOWN. Savor your food, because the faster you eat, the less time your brain has to realize your stomach is full. There is usually a lag time of about 20 minutes before your brain knows that your stomach has been satiated.
5. STAY ACTIVE. I notice a lot of times I feel hungry out of boredom. However, if I have a packed or mentally stimulating day, I barely have time to stop and think about the hungry feeling. If you commonly find yourself hungry at work, take a quick walk around the office building or even outside in the parking lot to distract your mind. Avoid eating while watching TV or surfing the internet. Since your mind can’t fully appreciate what you are consuming, many times it leads to extra empty calories.
Do you suffer from hanger? What are your best tips to tame the hangry beast or curb your appetite?
This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.
