4 ways to switch off the munchies

 You are not alone if you feel the need to reach for that chocolate bar under your desk just after eating lunch, the good news is there are ways you can train your body to steer clear of falling victim to the munchies.

Meal Combinations for Fullness

There are components to a meal that your body needs for long term fullness. Firstly protein, this should be a lean protein such as chicken breast, eggs, tofu, cheese, yogurt or beans. Secondly, whole grains which are often ignored for refined and less filling alternatives like white rice, pasta or bread. Thirdly, remember your veggies or fruit as these groups contain fibre which equals long term fullness. Try to break up every meal with ¼ protein, ¼ whole grains and the rest vegetables or a piece of fruit.

Some easy ways to achieve this can be:

• Corn Thins™, Cottage Cheese & Pineapple
• Corn Thins™, Avocado, Boiled Egg & Watercress
• Corn Thins™, Eggplant, Artichoke & Tomato
• Corn Thins™, Potato, Goats Cheese & Rosemary
• Corn Thins™ Margarita Pizza

For the full recipes on these perfect combinations see http://www.cornthins.com.au/recipes.

 Plan to beat your triggers

If you know what triggers you can’t ignore, plan to beat them. If having a block of chocolate in your desk draw means that you can’t stop yourself eating the whole bar, then chose not to buy the chocolate at all. Another strategy when the munchies come can be brushing your teeth or drinking a glass of water.

Is your diet promoting hunger?

Leptin is your ‘I’m full’ hormone used by your stomach. However, this hormone is a double-edged sword hormone as your fat cells also send signals using leptin. If you are overweight, leptin is used more in your body and you become less sensitive to it, the result, you end up being hungry more often. This shows the importance of being a healthy weight to manage cravings. In addition to weight there are foods which help decrease your ‘I’m hungry’ hormones being released, these include:

• Whole grains or whole grain containing products e.g Corn Thins™, RICE THINS™ or Whole Grain Thins™ products
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Nuts and Seeds
• Beans
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats e.g. extra virgin olive oil, avocado and fish.

Eating more can be your friend

If you are trying to lose weight you may think that living off a carrot and a piece of lettuce will work wonders. The problem with this is that your body goes into starvation mode, making you feel even more hungry and likely lead you to making poor food choices later in the day. The key is to eat smart to stimulate your metabolism and hold off hunger for longer.

Take home message: You are not alone if you feel the munchies, the key is to eat smart and plan to beat the triggers.