Ways to Curb Afternoon Hunger and Sugar Cravings

The clock reads 2:00 P.M. You grab some change from your desk drawer-oops-all out; dig for some in your purse or count out some from your pants pocket. Just enough! You head down the hall and pop those coins through the coin slot in the vending machine. A Dr. Pepper and a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. There now, you can get through the rest of the day.

Is this healthy? No, not even close. Is it a daily or at least a three times a week ritual? Whoa! Something needs to change.

Ways to curb afternoon hunger and sugar cravings #1

Never skip a meal! Eat breakfast, eat lunch. Eat enough to where you are satisfied, not enough to where you gorge the next meal.

Ways to curb afternoon hunger and sugar cravings #2

Add a morning snack to your routine. Fruits with peanut butter! One can never be dissatisfied with peanut butter. Peanut butter has staying power. Meaning a tablespoon or two can be enough to get you through until lunch, even if it is a late lunch. Peanut butter has protein and energy!
Peanut Butter is not for you? (I am sorry if that is the case.) You can have oatmeal in the morning or yogurt as your mid morning snack.

Ways to curb afternoon hunger and sugar cravings #3

Eat protein for lunch. Eat vegetables for fiber. Salads are great for lunch. Experiment and try them all and whatever you can create yourself so as not to get into the 'Salad slump' which can lead so many of us back to a burger and fries, value sized, in no time at all.

Ways to curb afternoon hunger and sugar cravings #4

Drink water. Drink plenty of water. Oftentimes we mistake being thirsty for hunger pains. Fill up on a glass or two or cold water during the afternoon rush. You might even forget you were hungry or that the Snickers bar you saw in the downstairs vending machine looks so appetizing.

Ways to curb afternoon hunger and sugar cravings #5

Keep a "nut stash" at your desk. A few nuts will go a long way to making you feel full. More good news about nuts; by consuming a handful of raw nuts, you are aiding the lessening of ghrelin production (that which makes our stomachs growl). They contain good fats and have protein. Keep a stash of protein bars in your purse of briefcase.

Ways to curb afternoon hunger and sugar cravings #6

Plan and pack for a mid afternoon snack. Keep yogurt stashed in the company refrigerator with your name on it. Bring along a small cooler with an ice pack or two if need be, and stock with yogurt. Keep the cooler in your fridge, or on top of for easy access. Do you pack your children's lunch? Do yours at the same time. Your health is just as important!

Ways to curb afternoon hunger and sugar cravings #7

Keep peppermints in your desk or purse. Sometimes all we want is the sweet taste, not a full serving. There are a multitude of sugar free mints and candies out there to help us indulge in our sweet tooth craving. Choose one at a time or keep several in your desk.

The changes may be small, but the result can be HUGE!