How to Stifle Hunger in a Pinch
By Genevieve Cunningham
Everyone knows the feeling of hunger. The growling stomach. The sharp pains in your abdomen. It's not a pleasant feeling. But we can't necessarily eat every time that we feel a pang. Sometimes we have to wait. Or in the case of reducing calories, we simply can't eat in that moment at all. So what can we do to help stifle those feelings of hunger in a pinch? Luckily, it might be easier than you think. If you need help controlling the hunger pain so that you can live your healthiest life, take a look at these tips to give a try today.
Eat Peppermints
Peppermints have been known to reduce the feeling of hunger. When you're feeling a bit hungry, simply pop a small peppermint (or mint) into your mouth and let it slowly dissolve. Does a peppermint have calories? Of course it does. But the number of calories that you're getting from the peppermint are drastically less than what you would be getting from a snack or meal. If you're at home, you can also drink a peppermint or mint tea to help with hunger. Keep peppermints in your car, at your home, in your purse, and on your person when necessary. This gives you a quick and easy escape route from hunger whenever those pains arise.
Drink Water
Water is great for filling your stomach and reducing the pains that come with hunger. In many cases, we're not actually hungry anyway -- we're thirsty. Along with stifling the pain, drinking water throughout the day also keeps your body well hydrated, which can bring benefits such as clear skin, efficient digestion, weight loss, and more. Keep a water bottle on hand (and full!) so that you have an emergency plan anytime that hunger rears its ugly head.
If you're really and truly hungry, eat. Don't starve yourself. Don't make yourself sick. But if you're trying to reduce calories and your body isn't accustomed to it yet, these tips can help. Or if you're in the middle of a meeting and can't leave for a snack in the moment, these tips can help. Preparation and determination are key. Be prepared ahead of time, and you can avoid binge eating, improve your overall diet, and boost your health in a significant way starting today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aliso Viejo, Calif.