I am a muncher. Especially when I’m bored. I go to the fridge and usually I’m not even hungry!
Here are some tips to help me!
Banish Hunger! Skipping meals throws your blood sugars out of whack, making you more susceptible to cravings. Eat a healthy breakfast, and meals of complex carbs- not refined ones like white bread and pasta- with protein and a small amount of healthy fat. This will help you feel more satisfied. If you do snack between meals, make smart choices; low fat yogurt with granola or an english muffin with natural peanut butter.
Identify what triggers your munching! Keep a food log for a week, recording your moods, what stresses you out, and how hungry you feel before eating. Once you’ve identified what drives you to raid the pantry, you can stop yourself before eating 4 pop tarts!
Drink something. The hypothalamus, or control center for mood and food related signal, detects thirst as well as hunger. Gulp a glass of water or herbal tea (caffeine can trigger the release of stress chemicals, enticing you to eat) and see if the craving passes.
If all else fails, chew! If you really need something, try sugar-free gum. Researchers in Australia measured the levels of cortisol in the saliva of study subjects and found that on average, gum chewers had 16% less of the stress hormone than non chewers and responded better to stressful situations.
Work it out! Studies show that working out, releases feel good endorphins, and of course burns calories. The next time you feel a craving coming on, go for a walk.
Mariel
Owner & Author at Or so she says...
Mariel (mahr-eeee-elle) is a mother to six, wife to one. Loves homeschooling, golfing, cupcakes, traveling, cuddling, non-fiction books, gardening, James Taylor, family time, and a sexy wedge. This is her blog. Enjoy!
@orsoshesays
Blogger, Promoting Motherhood, Creativity, Great Ideas, Good Food, and Family Values. http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
For all my Utah friends, if you have a kiddo that loves Thomas the Train, he's coming to the Heber Valley... http://t.co/rkrWrkoUbV - 2 days ago
Latest posts by Mariel (see all)
- Sewing Station Organization (she: Lisa) - May 22, 2013
- Educational BINGO ~ The Kids BEG to Play! - May 21, 2013
- Hello, Weekend: Past Posts & ‘Your Great Idea’ Link Party #34 - May 18, 2013
Thanks, Jessica.
Three-o-clock hits and for some reason I always head for the fridge. Maybe its a habit I got into snacking after school as a kid. I’ll definitely remember your tips next time the munchies hit.
And…if you are going to give into a sugar craving you could probably quench it by reacing for a sugar-free Jell-O pudding cup, sugar-free Russell Steven’s mint, or my favorite Target Archer Farms Fruit Leather. That’s what works for me!
Salt cravings? I reach for a handful of veggie crisps, pirates booty, cashews, sunflower seeds, almonds, or beef jerky.e
And, I can totally relate to that top picture! Making the kids some mac and cheese and then wholloping a few heaps in my mouth before I dish it up! Hee hee…
I am so bad at munching so I will have to try these. Thanks for the great tips!
such good ideas! Thank you! I am a muncher too!
I am munching as I read this and feeling guilty! I am huge emotional eater!
Where did you get that notebook to write down everything??
Julie- I just use a regular notebook, but there are tons of free printable charts online just google food journals or diaries!