Hunger Versus Cravings

While most of the time it feels nearly impossible to tell the difference between the two, we're going to break it down today and learn the difference.

Hunger is defined as a compelling need for food. *

Craving is defined as longing for, great desire, or to desire eagerly. *

So, what is the difference? Usually when you're hungry, you feel an emptiness in your stomach, your stomach may growl, or you might even get a headache. Low blood sugar usually triggers these reactions so that you consume something.When you crave something, you usually aren't hungry. Usually you're just bored. Humans, by nature, are orally fixated, some people more than other.

Some ways to cope with a craving:

• Drink a glass of water
• Chose high fiber (fruits, veggies, and whole grains) or high protein foods (nuts, chicken, and fish), they help keep you fuller longer 
• Allow yourself a small portion of what you're craving (ie Hershey's kiss instead of Hershey's bar)
• Take a walk (if possible) when you have a craving
• Wait 20 minutes before going for a second helping. It takes your brain that long to get the signal we're full!

Another way to curb cravings is to eat several smaller meals in a day. Eat Breakfast within an hour of waking up, have a healthy snack 2-3 hours after Breakfast, Lunch 2-3 hours after your first snack, another snack 2-3 hours after Lunch, and then be finished with Dinner at least 3 hours before bed. 

Don't starve yourself! That is one of the worst things that you can do! Sure, you may "lose weight," but when you starve yourself for so long, your body will start breaking down your muscles for energy. Another reason why starving yourself doesn't work, is because your body will start storing fat for when it needs it. You're starving your body, and it's trying to save it's self. 

So, resist the urge to snack on those chips while watching nightly Prime Time! Your body doesn't really need to be filled with half a bag of chips, even if they're baked and not fried! Have a glass of water instead! Save your calorie intake for a meal, when you're actually hungry. Don't forget, commercials are a fantastic time to get in a few crunches, push-ups, and jumping jacks!