Hunger triggers feelings of hunger and prepares the stomach to accept food. You must be able to recognize if your stomach is hungry, sometimes you can mistake the feeling of hunger for thirst. Try drinking a glass of warm water next time you are hungry…but you don’t think you should be, maybe you have eaten a short while ago. A glass of water 15 minutes before you eat can also lead to eating less. Hunger will make you uncomfortable if it is not properly managed. It could lead to a mild form of binge eating, as you are so hungry and have built up anticipation of the food. This could lead to a cycle of overeating.

Here are ways to help you keep hunger in control and avoid the chance of becoming a compulsive eater.

Measure and delay hunger
Hunger has different intensities. Every time you feel hungry, mark the intensity of the hunger in your mind; 1 as a little hungry and 5 as very hungry. Delay hunger if you can. You overcome the hunger, and eating is postponed. Do you feel good? Relish your success!

Eat small portions
Hunger prepares the stomach for food. Eat small portions, the food will taste better, and the digestive systems will not be overworked. Eating this way will give you a blast of energy better than that of coffee.

Decide how much to eat
Eat predetermined quantities, and decide how much is enough. Chew your food well. Slow down and relax. Feel content as you eat. Enjoy your food and savor every bite. Relish each moment as if it was the last meal.

Drink at the end of the meal
Herbal tea is relaxing; it is a nice drink after a meal and will help you move out of the mode of overeating. This will give your stomach the feeling of contentment. You feel the satisfaction now? Be thankful that you are satisfied.

The next time you are hungry, face it and be at peace. Hunger can cause feelings of being deprived. Ignore it. Hunger stir uncomfortable emotions. Again, ignore it. You can do it!

Quit living in the past. We all have our pasts to deal with. We cannot fix it but we can let it go and decide to move on. Pick up yourself from the vicious cycle of the past and live your life to the fullest. Do not justify the past by blaming others. Accept past mistakes but do not wallow in them. Surrender everything to God. Allow Him to work in you, resting in the thought that He will completely erase the past. Loosen up. Have fun. Allow yourself to be like a child all over again. Never allow the past to ruin your future.

Being Motivated

Bear in mind that your thoughts determine how you feel. Captivate your thoughts and filter them into positive tools to become an overcomer. Refrain from criticizing yourself, instead find an opportunity to reaffirm yourself that you made the right choice. Do not blame or make excuses for your behavior, but rather firmly resolve that the change you desire emanates from the very core of your being. Take responsibility, accept and love yourself. Feel good about your accomplishments.

Do not go back to the vicious cycle of worrying especially during eating. This is disrespect to our God. If you have problems you must have to deal with, write them down on paper and leave it behind for awhile. Do not ever attempt to tackle problems before eating. Once you have decided, stop the worrying and do something positive. If things cannot be changed, leave it all to God. Nothing can be hidden from the Lord. He knows your heart, your desires and wants. He also knows your strengths and weaknesses. Always ask for wisdom for you to be able to accept your situation.

Look at the future from a new perspective. You are a new you. Your brain is no longer filled with the negative thoughts, but rather, it is replaced with fresh and new affirmative thoughts that you are a new creation. Create a new list of your priorities and goals. Make a list of positive statements to say to yourself for encouragement. Joy and peace will no longer be easily snatched away from you because it is in your heart. It is your choice to be joyful and at peace.