Ever notice on the days that you don’t get enough sleep, you become ravenous and feel like you can eat your left arm off? There’s a reason for this and science to back it up. In fact, if you’re unlucky enough to sleep 4 hours or less, you can end up eating 22% more calories than if you get adequate rest. I’m not going to get into the hormonal based why’s behind this, if you want to discover more about that, check out this article “Eating When Your Tired”
This feeling happens to me more than I would like (I'm a work in progress). Drives me nuts when I do this to myself. But since life happens and we can’t be perfect all the time, here are 4 tactics that I should have used instead of surrendering to the Kashi “Honey Sunshine” cereal box the other day.
1.) Keep binging snack type foods out of your house. I’m not a big fan of this approach because restricting can sometimes make you want things more, however it does work. Also, chippie, snacky type stuff is not the best food choice (processed food) and too easy to eat tons of when your weak, tired and ravenous. They don’t fill you up either. You just keep eating and eating and eating until the whole bag or box is gone. Not good.
2.) Eat a little bit of what your craving and put the rest away. I prefer this method, but it can be really hard sometimes. This helps with portion control and creates a better feeling about food which is a win-win situation.
3.) Take a quick nap. A 20 minute nap will provide many health benefits, let the cravings pass and improve your alertness and productivity.
4.) Get busy doing something. Vacuum, organize a cabinet, a drawer or play with your kids or dog. The average craving lasts for about 10 minutes. It'll pass. If you're bored and looking for something to do try this…or maybe you don't want to try this at home???
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Hope these strategies help the next time you find yourself scanning the pantry or fridge for your next I’m tired and starving snackathon. If you have any other tricks please share them in the comments below.
This makes evihetryng so completely painless.