When burning fat a little hunger is to be expected.  Some of us feel hunger more deeply than others.  Just like some people feel pain more strongly than others.  If you are making sure you get 1500 calories or more, you are eating enough to keep your metabolism strong.  Hunger then is just a signal that your body is getting ready to burn fat.  Learn to see it as a happy thing :).

First thing to make sure is that you aren’t really thirsty.  Start with a nice drink of water and wait a few minutes to see if the feeling goes away.  If not and it’s not time to eat try some of the things below.

Here are some things I do when hunger almost gets the best of me.

1. Chew gum

2.  Eat a Dill pickle spear.  (This is especially good if you are craving something sweet.)

3.  Brush your teeth–nothing tastes very good right after a fresh brush with strong mint toothpaste.

4. Drink something warm and low calorie such as fat free broth; herbal tea with stevia; or tomato soup.

5.  Distract yourself with something you find really fun.  Reading a novel; sewing a project; a little crochet; planning your smaller wardrobe, or scrapbooking.  Avoid anything that might show you pictures of food–like pinterest :).

6.  Put on some music and dance your heart out; go for a run; or other physical activity that you find fun.

Here’s a recipe for a warm drink that has antioxidant power, will boost metabolism and help you feel full.

Dairy Free, Sugar Free Chai Tea

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk (15 calories)

2 tsp stevia (amount in 1 truvia packet)

dash each of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper, and cardamom or allspice.

Warm all together then add a tea bag.  Black tea is traditional but you can use green or white tea too.  Brew for about 3 minutes then stir and enjoy.