Cravings Vs. Hunger – How To Stay On Track

I'm happy to report that after my weekend getaway to Cragun's last weekend, I finally lost the weekend gain when I weighed in yesterday. I've lost a total of 4 pounds since last week, but only 1 pound since I started on The Biggest Loser.

GETTING MOTIVATED AND STICKING TO IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Since my team was doing so well, it motivated me to add a better diet to my weight loss journey, once I incorporated exercise on a daily basis and adding in more water each day.

Since last Friday, I've been sticking to the better diet program. No pop-tarts, no hot tamales...It's healthy choices... and I actually feel pretty good. Saying no to my morning coffee, and most of all, my late night snacking whenever I let Sampson outside through the night, are the most challenging times for me.

DON'T LET STRESS AND EVERYDAY LIFE GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR GOALS

SO...It's important to know the difference between CRAVINGS and actual HUNGER.

YOU CAN DO THIS! JUST HOLD ON!

The Mayo Clinic says cravings are usually for comfort foods like chocolate, sweets and fatty foods. They often are caused by negative feelings that lead to MORE eating, which in turn makes a person feel MORE guilty. Cravings can be worse if you're dieting and can occur even after you've recently eaten. The good news is...they will pass with time, if you can hold on.

Hunger, on the other hand, usually occurs when you haven't eaten for a few hours or more. It can result in a rumbling stomach, headache or feeling of weakness. The feelings doesn't pass with time, and you're hungry for more than just one specific food. Hunger can be satisfied with a healthy snack or meal.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE CRAVINGS

Distract yourself. Try things that you like to do. I play piano...take a walk away from the kitchen. If a negative feeling is causing you to have cravings, try to use positive self talk to bring yourself back up. I had a dream that I woke up one morning and my stomach was as flat as it was in high school. That was one of the best dreams I've ever had. I try to remember that I can be that again, if I stick to my plan.

WHAT IF NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK

Sometimes, you can be doing everything right. If the weight isn't coming off, or the fat count is staying the same, and you ARE sticking to a healthy diet, then there could be other reasons for the weight gain. Perhaps hormones are too blame? I'm actually having a blood test done to check and see if there's anything standing in my weight to additional weight loss.