‘The Little Things That Make a Big Difference’ is an article series outlining weight loss and diet interventions that may seem insignificant, but can make a huge difference to the success of your diet plan.

Peckish? Do this before you eat

We all know that ‘hungry’ feeling we get sometimes, when we haven’t eaten for a while, and the stomach starts to rumble. Our first thought is always “Wow, I’m hungry! I should get some food.” But what if you’re only an hour away from your next meal time? Is it worth having extra calories if you’re trying to lose weight?

My approach to this feeling is always to ask myself a few questions, and do a few simple things to see if the feeling goes away before I pile a snack down my gullet.

The first thing I do is drink a HUGE glass of water

Usually when you have the ‘hungry’ feeling you’re actually confusing hunger for thirst. The water hydrates you, and fills some space in your gut, which can make you feel full. The next thing to do is chew a piece of sugar-free gum. This makes you feel like you’ve eaten, and may make your brain let go of the hunger for a while. If those two both don’t work, then it’s decision time. Do you have something to eat, move your meal forward, or just grit your teeth and bare it until your meal rolls around? I’m a fan of waiting, because you are on a diet, and teaching yourself to tough it out will go a long way to helping you to do so in the future.

Remember, you can go around fifty days without food if you stay hydrated, so you’re not going to die of hunger in a couple of hours. Just think about all the weight you’re losing while you’re doing it, too.

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Take a look at the articles below for more information on the little things that make a big difference to your weight-loss goals:

• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: No second helpings
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Calorie timing in the holidays
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Coffee naps
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Condiments are calories too
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Best restaurant strategy
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Up your NEAT score
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: The biggest secret
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Don’t skip meals
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: General check-ups
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Run! As soon as you can
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Change your favourite food
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Your Friends
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Your attitude
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Dealing with awkward situations
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: The right mindset
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: When it’s not worth the calories
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Only eat when you’re hungry
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Question your habits
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Learn to say the magic word
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Timing is everything
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: A little bit less
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Use your feet
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Eat fruit
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Take the stress out of your diet
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: How to make caffeine work for you
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Cheat a little every now-and-then
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Grab ‘n go meals
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Fast food?
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Give yourself a challenge
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Take a break from food
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Work hard, rest hard
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Fibre for the win
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Eat protein early
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Be “that guy/girl
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: What if you have a sweet tooth?
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Avoid BOREDOM at all costs!
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: No alcohol before bed
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Downsizing
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Quality control
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Drink water like a real adult
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: The real ‘breakfast of champions’
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Treat limits
• Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: No milk, no sugar, thanks
• The little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Comfy sleep
• The little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Time
• The little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Vitamin pills
• The little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Black coffee & veggies

 

While All4Women endeavours to ensure health articles are based on scientific research, health articles should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical advice. Should you have concerns related to this content, it is advised that you discuss them with your personal healthcare provider.