Yo Tengo hambre, J' ai faim, Ho fame, Ich bin hungrig.... If you wondering what in the world is this jibber jabber; I can guarantee you’ve uttered these words, possibly even screamed them. You are bilingual but just didn't know it. No matter what language, your stomach can translate this universal message "I'm Hungry". It's the message that can make you distracted in an important office meeting or have you planning your Sunday meal while the Pastor is casting out demons. The only cure for this is food!!! Hunger can have you screaming “Feed me Seymour, Feed me “like Audrey II in the Little Shop of Horrors (YouTube it guys, so hilarious).
I recently started a fitness challenge with my friends to achieve a healthier lifestyle. We are focusing on our eating habits and exercise regimen for the next eight weeks. Our goal is to lose weight while making better choices a priority. We signed up for MyFitnessPal, select a new activity weekly and share recipes. I can truly say that maintaining an exercise routine has been exhilarating. I am a runner; enjoy exercising and cooking. For some reason though hunger is constantly present. Every two hours my hands and stomach are communicating to find some resolve for the nagging pangs yelling "Feed Me Seymour, Feed Me"
An article by Mindy Berry Walker on www.fitnessmagazine.com suggest that the hunger pains hit women harder after exercise because it’s our natural instinct to hold onto energy due to reproduction purposes. Okay so this is why I am so hungry! I want to eat more so I can reserve energy for my future baby bump. Wow women, we are so nurturing.
The article also made a good observation about calorie intake vs. consumption."It may take an hour to burn 500 calories but only five minutes to eat them back." This is so true, just 1 cup of my favorite Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, Coffee Heath Bar Crunch is 560 calories.
The tips in the article that require my attention and execution for the remainder of our challenge are:
1. Understand your hunger-Why are you eating? Is it a reward, food deprivation, dehydration or rebellion?
2. Pre-work out snack- Eat prior to exercise, it will give you the energy to make it through the workout.
3. Post-work out-leaving yourself depleted will make you crave. Make sure you eat something healthy.
4. Reward yourself with a yogurt. My rewards have been Five Guys regular fries, ice cream or an indulge day for exercising all week.
5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Drink plenty of water or use aids that replenish electrolytes before, during and after your workout.
My weight loss so far has been 8 pounds. Incorporating these tips are a great shift to staying on task. I will put them to the test and see if my alter ego will finally say "No tengo hambre Seymour" Stay tuned
If you would like to read the article on fitnessmagazine.com, click the link below.
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/eating-help/control-cravings/control-your-post-workout-appetite/