Do you always get mid-day food cravings? There is a reason why you always get the afternoon munchies - it's because you have are sleep deprived and your body compensates for the missing energy for consuming food as much as it can.
When you are sleep deprived, your brain actively produces a chemical called endocannabinoids, CNN wrote. This chemical urges you to consume tasty foods that contain heavy fat, salt and sugar. This is the reason why sleep deprivation is tied to weight and overeating.
Afternoon munchies satisfy these cravings, but the downside is you consume plenty of bad calories that make you fatter. Listed below are some tips that can help you combat those afternoon cravings.
1. Drink Lots Of Water
It's important to constantly drink lots of water all throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Some people confuse their dehydration for hunger, so they eat more food and snacks like cake, chips and candy bars in the afternoon. To make your glass of water more interesting and satisfying, add extra flavoring like lemon or mint.
2. Eat Vegetables And Food With Lots Of Protein
If you only have three to four hours of sleep the previous night, you should be prepared to fight off its effects by consuming plenty of vegetables and eating food that contain lean protein in the morning. You can also ditch the sugar-filled cereal for fiber-rich oats or wholegrain bread.
When the afternoon munchies hit, it helps when you stay away from fatty and deep-fried foods. Instead, eat an avocado or Greek yogurt. Other foods you can consume for a healthy afternoon snack are fresh or dried fruit, vegetable sticks, vegetable/bean soup, low-fat granola bar, fruit smoothie with skim milk, plain popcorn, pretzels, breadsticks and hot cocoa free from fat.
3. Ask Yourself If You Really Are Hungry
Before you make a trip to the pantry or canteen, take a moment to ask yourself if you really are hungry or just bored and anxious. Maybe you just want to take a breather from a difficult task at work. If boredom is your case, opt for a short walk instead or start an easier task. This could help take your mind away from the afternoon munchies.
4. Stay Away From Temptation
If you're feeling the afternoon munchies, staying away from a vending machine helps. You should avoid channel-surfing to avoid TV ads that showcase foods and snacks. This will only worsen your mid-day cravings.
