Hungry or Not Hungry... That is the Question.

Do you find yourself hungry... Or maybe not? Or, you're already on a nutrition program and you're STILL hungry? Check out these 5 tips/thoughts. I hope they are helpful for you!

1. WATER. Where are you at for your water for the day? Dehydration, or not even dehydration, but simply being short on water- often presents as hunger. Remember, you should aim for a MINIMUM of 1/2 your weight in ounces a day, as a sedentary person. As someone who works out, shoot for more. I aim for my entire weight in ounces a day.

2. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. Make sure the foods you are choosing are the best possible whole food choices you can make. Everyone needs a certain amount of carbohydrates a day- however, a whole grain pita or wrap at lunch will take you a lot farther than a couple slices of white bread. A lean serving of chicken breast in that wrap will be way more filling (not to mention effective) than a protein bar. Whole foods are always preferable.

3. FOOD IS FUEL. What time of the day are you first eating? It's important to fuel your body for the day- and that means eating within an hour of waking up. But the choice of food is also important. A dense nutrition-rich shake like Shakeology is great, or a meal that combines carbohydrates and protein, like steel cut oats and apples, or whole grain toast with peanut butter and banana slices. Don't start the road trip with out stopping at the gas station.

4: TIMING MATTERS. We talked about carbohydrates a bit- what time of day are you eating them? Your body needs that fuel for the day, and on the same road trip we talked about earlier-- you wouldn't make the drive on empty and then stop for gas when you're already there? The same goes for your body. Eating more of those carbohydrates/sugars (grains, fruits, etc) earlier in the day will not only help you feel fuller longer, but will give you time to burn it off. Try to eat them in the first 2/3 to 3/4 of your day. Don't save the potatoes and rice for right before bed- your body won't have time to burn them off.

5: BE FLEXIBLE. A meal plan is a guideline. Does that mean don't follow it to the best of your ability? No. Does that mean add a cookie or two when you're hungry at night? Of course not. What it means is that every body is different. If you truly feel like you aren't eating enough, and you've hit all the check marks above (water, timing, wise choices, etc.), then add some food in--Just choose wisely. Add in an extra serving of veggies as a late night snack, and up your lean protein serving a couple ounces at dinner. You may just need a little extra bump in calories to get you through- especially if you are doing the first week or two of a more intense program. Your body is adjusting. Just don't forget to reevaluate after a few days and see if you can cut back a bit.

If you found this helpful, someone else you know may also! Please LIKE and SHARE. 😍 (Mom always said it was nice to share.)


Star Diamond Coach Amanda Noddings
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