More water?
I recently read that sometimes when we feel pangs of hunger, it can sometimes be a sign that our body is getting dehydrated. So, I tested the theory myself and it definitely helped. Of course, if it a typical time for eating a meal that is different, but sometimes I would notice that I was "feeling hungry" at odd times so I tried drinking a glass of water and it really helped!
Not sure how scientifically accurate any of this is, but give it a try. If nothing else, you will get extra water which never hurts!
-Anyone else have ideas of how to avoid those little urges to snack between meals?
Thanks so much for any tips!
@halcyonCloud2036
Hey there~ Good question.
It is true that if we aren't hydrated enough that it can lead to us at times feeling "hungry" or those "hunger pains". Staying hydrated with water can surely help with in between meals.
However, I think another focus is also tweaking your meals as well.... Such as don't go too long without eating. By having small, healthy snacks in between those meals as well.
A healthy snack can be a simple piece of fruit (which contains water), or fibrous veggies, or a handful of nuts. Of course assuming one can have these things in their meal plans.
@halcyonCloud2036
Regarding your question...
"Anyone else have ideas of how to avoid those little urges to snack between meals?"
I used to have very strong hunger urges between meals and even after them.
So I researched it a lot. Then I found several ideas that seemed to work for me.
Sipping water frequently through the day helped a lot to feel fuller.
- I especially sip a little water after eating or whenever my mouth seems dry.
I avoid drinking lots of water at one time unless really thirsty.
I brush my teeth often through the day (without toothpaste).
- I was surprised that brushing actually makes my hunger go away also.
So it's a good habit for me to solve 2 problems.
I use xylitol often throughout the day. It's sweet and helps dental health and satisfies hunger urges.
- Xylitol is a crystal "sugar alcohol" that cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth cannot process. It's not like normal sugar. It's a sugar-alcohol in solid form.
Cavity-causing bacteria cannot process sugar-alcohols easily. So they are less likely to digest carbs in the mouth, so they are less likely to create acid that causes cavities.
Xylitol is well studied and is now put in gum and toothpaste and mouthwash to help dental issues.
For me, a little xylitol can also reduce my hunger pangs, especially if I'm not really hungry from not eating but rather it's just an urge.
I keep a salt-shaker-like container with xylitol crystals near my desk and sprinkle some in my mouth whenever needed. Especially after I brush my teeth after eating. Xylitol also helps keep the mouth pH balanced also.
I reduced the glycemic load of food eaten in one sitting by controlling portions.
- I now control the portions of high glycemic load foods I eat so I don't get an overload of fast burning foods in one sitting.
The body cannot handle a large amount of highly processed food that gets digested very quickly and then dumps high amounts of sugar into the blood.
Eating high glycemic load food portions can cause hunger problems.
My diet is very consistent now thorough out the day.
- That stability drastically minimized my hunger urges.
I also eat a very well balanced diet with all key nutrients.
I get regular exercise throughout the day.
- Whenever I go to the kitchen to use the microwave oven, I do a few minutes or more of "kitchen counter" push-ups or squats or other easy exercises.
I also do 10 minutes of intense exercise while my lunch is cooking.
I find that exercising daily seems to make me feel hungry less. Also keeping busy in any way makes me less hungry.
I get good regular sleep.
- Studies have shown that sleep can affect hunger and also weight loss.
So I make sure to get 8 hrs of sleep each and every day.
The things above helped me but everyone is different. So it's always good to to consult heath professionals before making drastic life-style changes.
You can see my growth paths on some of the topics above here:
@halcyonCloud2036 Yes. I notice that i am less hungry when i drink water
I completely agree with your approach! Staying hydrated is often overlooked, but it can definitely help with those odd pangs of hunger. Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated but can also curb unnecessary snacking. If you're looking for an efficient way to ensure your water is always fresh and clean, consider a whole-house filtration system like those at https://filterway.com/whole-house-systems/ whole house water filters Having great-tasting water at every tap makes it easier to stay on top of hydration. Plus, it’s a great habit to pair with mindful eating
