We have been travelling for 2+ weeks now and I am noticing a subtle shift in my attitude towards eating on the road. I don’t do well when I am tired and hungry, and in the past this has been an issue for me (and the hubby!) while travelling. Things could go downhill pretty fast when the “hangry” monster came out. However, on this trip I have noticed a change.
Part of it comes down to smart planning. Making sure we had healthy snacks, lean protein, fruits and veggies with us. Drinking lots of water and staying well hydrated. Researching where the nearest supermarkets were for healthy snacks, planning out our restaurants. etc…
The other part is the work I have done to find what works best for me and understanding what my body needed. I understand that certain foods are more satiating, and that other foods will just create more cravings. I have a better handle on what true physical hunger is vs emotional hunger. On most days anyways. 🙂
I can accept that being hungry is a tolerable feeling; in fact, one should expect to feel some hunger between meals, upon waking in the morning, and yes, even before bed time.
In my one on one coaching with my clients, one of my weekly questions is around hunger. Now I know this may come off as confusing to some, but I am trying to find out how each person responds to hunger. Paying attention to hunger signals, seeing if they have decreased or increased, if they are intense or almost non-existent.
Having some hunger is a GOOD thing. But experiencing hunger that is so extreme that it wakes you up at night or makes it hard for you to focus on daily tasks isn’t.
Part of my coaching is helping my client deal with hunger and separate the emotional baggage that can be tied to it.
What drives you to walk to the fridge or pantry? Hunger, boredom or a stressful day at work? Do you truly need that bed time snack? Like my mom used to say, if you are not hungry for an apple, you are probably not hungry. Chalk another one up to mom being right!
If you do find yourself struggling with hunger, here’s a few quick tips before you start to panic:
- Drink more water! Chances are you aren’t drinking as much as you should. An active adult drinking 3-4 litres is a good mark.
- Eat for volume. Load up on veggies first. Think cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles.
- Limit your treats and added sugar. I am not saying you have to eat 100% clean, but the reality is sugar is a highly addictive drug. The more we eat it, the more we crave it.
- Lastly, do the apple test. If you are hungry, then grab yourself an apple: natural sugar + fibre= win win!
Annie 🙂