One of the easiest tricks to a successful weight loss program is controlling hunger. Contrary to popular notion, hunger doesn’t really lead to weight loss and most of the time, it even backfires and would only make you want to eat more, therefore sabotaging your diet. It goes without saying too that crash dieting is a big no-no and won’t ever get you to lose weight effectively, nor does its effect would last.
For seniors, going hungry in the name of skinniness won’t do you any good. Just think of it this way, did your doctor ever told you to “don’t eat and you’ll be cured”? First of all, no senior is ever recommended of not eating at all, in fact, we’re always encouraged to eat healthy meals several times a day even if these meals are portioned. The point is, you just have to eat, whether you like it or not.
Excluding all would-be health issues, let’s focus on weight loss and hunger management. Below are some helpful tips on how to effectively manage hunger:
· Never, ever miss breakfast. This is the first meal you are going to give your body, this will also be the one which your body will eventually burn so there’s really no harm in having your breakfast every single day. What’s harmful though is when you skip it as there is a chance you’ll end up craving and too hungry for lunch, you’ll eat more than you should.
· Eat eggs in the morning. Eggs are fabulous at keeping hunger at bay. The protein in eggs will keep you full longer than any other kind of food taken in the morning.
· Drink lots of water. If you would like to cut back on your calorie intake, you might want to drink a glass of water before and after a meal. Water makes you feel full while ice cold water makes your body heat up to maintain ideal temperature hence boosting metabolism to burn more calories.
· Avoid anything white such as white bread, white rice as they are refined. You are better off with grainy stuff as they will add fiber in your daily intake.
· Munch on nuts. Nuts are packed full of nutrients you need to ward off hunger. Also nuts, particularly almonds are high in protein, fiber and good fat – a handful is sure to keep you full until your next meal!
· Look for diversions. I once asked a friend who just turned 70 last week what’s the big secret behind her trim and youthful body, she said that the road wasn’t always as smooth as it seemed, that there were times she was hit by cravings so strong she cried but she learned to divert her cravings into activities that instead of taking in more calories, would require her to sweat out, like running or gardening. Just imagine how uncomfortable it would be to run and eat at the same time.