Nutrition for Life

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Appetite and fullness

Not many people like feeling hungry and it can be enough to throw you off track if you have that gnawing hunger feeling.  Many times though hunger can be as a result of things you can control better, such as:

  • Make time to eat your meals.  Set aside time to eat your meals rather than working through your lunch break and just grabbing something quick. It does take more time to eat ‘real’ food compared to poorer quality food with less fibre, but you will feel more satisfied and for longer after a real meal.
  • Ensure there is protein in your meals and snacks.
  • Slow down your eating.  Chew every mouthful thoroughly and really be aware of the taste and texture of the food you are eating.
  • Drink plenty of water.  Dehydration is often mistaken for hunger.
  • Eat regularly.  You should be hungry every 3-4 hours, it is a sign of a good metabolism.
  • If you feel like picking between meals pause and think, ”am I hungry or am I bored”? If you are bored, find something to do that distracts you until it is time to eat.