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How to cure the desire for food and still lose weight

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New diet plans can quickly become plagued by the simple desire to eat. And hunger pains, those uncomfortable contractions your stomach uses to tell you it needs food, are more complicated than most people realize and can be even harder to relieve.

Several theories exist as to why many people constantly feel hungry when trying to adjust to new diet programs or eating habits, but there’s one answer common to them all: the body simply isn’t used to the adjustment.

Experts say that your body becomes accustomed to certain energy and nutritional intake levels, and hunger pains are generated out of a response to retain that internal stability.

“The reality is the healthier you eat and the better food choices you make, the better you will feel,” said Lydia Genovese, a dietitian at Wishard Health Services. “Eating healthy does take effort and it can be difficult to balance healthy eating with a busy schedule, but once you start, the benefits will pay off.”

So how do we curb these cravings? Doctors say it’s all about tricking the body into thinking it’s receiving the same amount of energy as before. By choosing foods that are both healthy and high in satiety, foods that make us feel more satisfied or full, you will ultimately reduce hunger pains and lose weight more easily.

Many experts also suggest that meals high in water and fiber content can drastically reduce the amount of calories in a given serving. Therefore, by adding vegetables, fruits and lean proteins that retain a lot of water to meals, you will be able to eat more of these energy-dense foods without the increased calories. The same goes with high-fiber foods like whole grains.

Foods like soups, smoothies, pastas and salads can all be loaded with energy, increasing their satiety levels and leaving a person feeling fuller and more satisfied.

Since the body burns carbohydrates much quicker than fat, by adding a little fat to your breakfast, such as low-fat yogurt or milk, you’re more likely to get through those mid-morning hankerings. Bananas also carry loads of resistant starch, a carbohydrate that is healthy, filling and metabolism-boosting.

Employing these eating methods can also help reduce the psychological factors associated with hunger pains. Since hunger pains are believed to be caused by both physiological and psychological factors, it’s important that both are addressed when attempting to lose weight or change your diet.

“It’s all about strategy and finding new and innovative ways to add in those foods that are good for us while still reducing the amount of calories we are consuming,” said Genovese. “It’s a science and also a lifestyle change, but everyone is capable of making it happen.”

In addition, Genovese stressed that signs of hunger are not a bad thing, as it shows your body is burning calories. She also said that hunger pains come and go, but it’s important to realize when you’ve had enough to eat. She said that drinking a large glass of cold water when hungry between meals often can help reduce the nagging cravings.

For more nutrition information and tips on how to find a primary care physician, call Health Connection at Wishard at (317) 655-2255.

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