When enough is enough
Hunger signals are pretty obvious – your stomach grumbles, and you sometimes feel tired or cranky. But it’s tougher to know when you’ve had enough to eat because your brain actually needs some time to register fullness!

To avoid over-eating, focus on your food when you eat, eat slowly and avoid distractions such as TV. Also, serve small portions, and ask yourself from time to time: “Have I had enough?”

Eating healthy snacks can help manage hunger too, says registered dietitian Lois Ferguson. “Healthy snacks help keep energy levels up, so you are less hungry and don’t over eat at meals.”

The right snack choices
“A recent survey shows that over 40 percent of calories eaten as snacks come from foods such as sweets, pop and commercial muffins,” says Lois. She recommends healthy snacks that provide a range of nutrients including carbohydrates for energy and protein to sustain you longer. Snacks such as fruits and milk products can also help achieve and maintain a healthy weight because they satisfy you between meals.

“Fresh fruit dipped in yogurt is delicious. Enjoy banana bread and a glass of milk at snack time. Cheese and cherry tomatoes are healthy snack foods too.”

For more ideas about hunger signals, visit yourhealthyweight.ca.