Posted: 6 days ago

Train with Tish… our resident fitness expert Patrycja Lafferty on how to turn hunger pains into exercise gains

Tish is a personal trainer at Everlast Gym, L’derry. Follow her on Instagram @tishptfitness

MANAGING hunger is essential for maintaining a healthy diet and achieving your fitness goals. Here are some tips and advice to help you effectively manage your hunger:

1. Eat balanced meals: Consuming balanced meals that include a combination of protein, healthy fats, fibre, and carbohydrates can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods. Include foods like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts in your meals.

2. Stay hydrated: Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water regularly. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to help curb unnecessary hunger .

3. Eat mindfully: Pay attention to your body’s hunger cues and eat mindfully. Avoid distractions while eating, such as watching TV or using your phone, as this can lead to overeating. Chew your food slowly and savour each bite.

4. Plan your meals and snacks: Planning your meals and snacks ahead of time can help prevent impulsive eating and unhealthy food choices. Have healthy snacks readily available to curb hunger between meals.

5. Include protein in your diet: Protein is known to be highly satiating and can help reduce hunger levels. Include protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, tofu, eggs in your meals to help manage hunger.

6. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can disrupt hunger hormones and lead to increased appetite and cravings. Aim to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to regulate your hunger levels.

7. Manage stress: Stress can trigger emotional eating and lead to increased hunger. Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help manage your stress levels and prevent emotional eating.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can effectively manage your hunger, make healthier food choices, and stay on track with your nutrition goals. Remember that listening to your body and making mindful choices are key to successful hunger management.