Why We Gain Weight (& How to Avoid It)
Mar
13
2024
Leaving Shelves Soon—Don't Miss Out!
Hungry Girl Magazine: The Low-Carb Issue
The latest issue of Hungry Girl magazine will be on store shelves ’til March 22nd, and only a few hundred copies remain for online ordering. Here's what readers have to say about the Low-Carb Issue...I can’t thank you enough for coming out with a low-carb issue. I made the chicken squash Alfredo, and it was so good!!! Can’t wait to make all the recipes! I plan on trying EVERYTHING!!! – Erin M.
I found it at Walmart! The recipes are fantastic. I love the Nashville chicken. – Carole M.
We’ve made three things so far. And my teens like them. That’s a huge win to only have to make 1 meal!!! – Stacy R.
Find it where magazines are sold (through 3/22/24), or order online while supplies last…
If you’re struggling to lose or maintain your weight, you’re not alone. We’re giving you a quick look at some common diet saboteurs, along with strategies to overcome them…
Having an All-or-Nothing Attitude
Ditch those perfectionist ways—they cause you to give up the second you have a slip! And that happens all too frequently when you set unreasonable expectations for yourself. Newsflash: You’re not perfect. No one is. Don’t let the inevitable break from perfection cause you to throw in the towel OR cause you to tell yourself you’ll start making smart food choices again next week, next month, etc.
Instead…
There’s nothing wrong with setting goals and guidelines, but have a little grace for yourself when things don’t go according to plan. Life happens! Just get right back on the healthy-eating bandwagon at your next opportunity. And take a minute to evaluate your goals. Are they truly attainable, or are you setting yourself up for failure? Aim for improvement rather than perfection. If it’s been a while since you’ve routinely exercised, start with two days a week, not six. If a full diet overhaul sounds daunting, start by eating more fruits & veggies and limiting starchy carbs and sugary snacks. For more on this subject, read about Hungry Girl’s 80/20 philosophy.Not Planning Ahead
That donut binge in the break room… the fast food free-for-all… the greasy takeout three nights in a row… So many poor eating choices can be prevented by doing some planning. It’s pretty much impossible to make smart food decisions when our options are limited and our stomach is talking louder than the sensible voice in our brain.
Instead…
Outsmart impulse eating by being prepared. Before your next supermarket trip, think about your weekly food needs and your schedule. If mornings at home are typically rushed, stock up on speedy breakfast staples, like Greek yogurt and ready-to-eat hard-boiled eggs. Think about packing lunches and snacks, so busy afternoon eating becomes a breeze. Have some time over the weekend? Whip up a bunch of make-ahead recipes like these...Trigger Foods
Trigger foods aren’t just foods you really enjoy—they’re foods that specifically make you hungrier and unable to control your insatiable desire to eat more. For some of us, trigger foods can be salty, starchy snacks, like pretzels and chips. For others, they're sugary treats or carby comfort foods. Knowing your triggers is half the battle. And the best offense is a good defense…
Instead…
You’ve got two options here: Turn to better-for-you swaps or avoid your trigger foods completely. This really comes down to knowing yourself. If trading high-calorie chocolate treats for Tootsie Pops calms your cravings and leaves you feeling satisfied, stock up on the lower-calorie replacements! But if the lighter versions of your trigger foods set you on your way to an eating frenzy, do yourself a favor and avoid them altogether. By the way, if you find yourself in the middle of a trigger food binge, pop a mint or a stick of sugar-free gum in your mouth—it can help!Stress & Boredom
These things may seem like total opposites, but BOTH can drive us to mindlessly eat. If we need something to take the edge off a tense mood, we eat. If we have nothing going on at the moment and nothing else to do, we eat. For emotional eaters, any emotion we don’t want to feel can make food seem like a comforting solution.
Instead…
Plan ahead with smart options—things like baby carrots, hard candy, and dessert-flavored tea. This way if you mindlessly munch (or sip), you won’t do too much damage. Another solution? Look for non-food ways to get relief. Go for a walk, put on some music, peruse your favorite online retailer’s website, or read a magazine (like the Hungry Girl magazine!). Also, don’t be afraid to face stress head-on! Whip up a to-do list so things seem less overwhelming and more manageable. Click here for 5 Ways to Stop Emotional Eating.Hungry for More Tips & Tricks to Avoid Weight Gain?
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Chew on this:
Today is National Coconut Torte Day, March 13th. We suggest you a) make this simple vanilla mug cake, b) top it with a dollop of whipped topping, and c) finish with a sprinkle of sweetened OR unsweetened shredded coconut!
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Hungry Girl provides general information about food and lifestyle. This information and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Click here for more information.
