The first week of change in eating habits is difficult, but if you can make it through that week, it gets easier. This is how it’s been for me anyway.
The first week was a battle: my brain and stomach teamed up and tried to defeat me. I was hungry almost all day for at least the first three days. The brain-stomach bullies were all, “Hey. What the hell is going on here? What happened to that big morning snack?” And then they’d punch me from the inside out sending pain from my core to my head. Jerks.
But they gave up after a few days. They learned that I don’t negotiate. Now, they ask nicely. First, they wait until they know they absolutely need something. Then, they give me a nudge and I know it’s time to eat.
See, before I started eating the correct amount of food, it was like my blood-sugar was plummeting or something. Hunger hurt. If I don’t eat now, I’m going to scream at someone, throw something or pass out.
Now, hunger feels like a gentle rumble in my stomach. I know I need to eat, but I don’t need to rip my arm off and chew on it like it’s one of those turkey legs they have at the fair. I can wait a few minutes until it’s convenient or until it’s lunch time.
Do you know what I mean? Have you noticed these two types of hunger?
I also found this great article about recognizing hunger here. The article shows the differences between “head” hunger and “physical” hunger. There also are tips for reducing stress and boredom eating.
COMING UP:
- Barefoot running: Is it Better?
- SOWL Challenge: New Fruit and Veggie
5 comments
For me, it was finally learning that hunger meant “eat a real meal” instead of “time to have a snack!”I used to snack all day on carbs. Rarely did I have a meal with protein. Since I'm a SAHM, I dont have a set lunch hour. I was eating all day long!One day I caught myself devouring a muffin at 1pm and thought “I should be eating a real lunch right now. Not a muffin.” And suddenly a lightbulb went on. Now when I get hungry I think “have I eaten my real meal yet??” and then I go eat the meal appropriate for the hour (breakfast, lunch, etc.) If I'm still hungry, only then will I have a snack. Its made all the difference.
i am bad at boredom eating… but i have been trying to work on it! that 'overeating' feeling is no fun.
YES! Well said. I often battle myself to determine what is real hunger and what isn't since my brain pretty much wants to eat ALL DAY LONG.
Great post!Sometimes thirst masks itself as hunger as well. I try to make water my first choice when I'm hungry at odd times.
You mean I'm not the only one who turns into an arm-ripping crazy lady when she's hungry? Glad you're mastering a change!Winks & Smiles,Wifey