Reaching for Snack: Are you really hungry or could you just be thirsty?

“I’m hungry” and the next thing even without thinking is we open the fridge to look for ready-to-eat foods (sausages,chocolates) at home or we happen to buy per-packaged snacks- read chips, biscuits, namkeen if still in office.


Are you really hungry or could you just be thirsty?


As a matter of fact most of us tend to confuse thirst and hunger, often mistaking thirst to 'be hungry'.This confusion exist as  symptoms of dehydration feeling weak, cranky and dizziness mimic those of hunger. Body's thirst mechanism is stimulated  even when a person is around 1-2 percent dehydrated. The hydration status is measured by change in body weight due to loss of water due to sweat. 


Feeling "hungry" to stay fit: Before you reach out for readily available snack do identify the signals your body is giving you.


Tip:  Upon the very first time you think your brain signalling hunger drink 250 ml (one glass) of plain water to distinguish thirst from hunger. Take 15 minutes before you decide. If you were actually thirsty and your brain was bluffing you, then you’ll feel satisfied.

Sugar-Free your Thirst for Weight Loss

With summers heat being on head , its a time that everyone grabs a two or more diet sodas, lemonade and even sweetened juices
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Lets do a simple math—each 320 ml can of diet soda, colas or juice typically has 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar , amounting to 200- 250 calories. With 3 drinks a day you typically add 600 calories.It's now a no surprise that summer's rising thirst has paralleled the epidemic rise of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Water, of course, is a best beverage option to quench thirst with zero-calorie addition to your diet. But plain water is just plain and its difficult for some to eliminate sugary beverage compltetly form the diet.For them these are few healthier beverage options:

- Flavored Waters
Infused water has been flavored with herbs or fruits. If you do not like plain water, add a jist of fruits with Sliced citrus fruits or zest (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit) , Crushed fresh mint or Peeled, sliced fresh ginger/cucumber. A treat for your taste buds without calories.

-Tea
Caffeinated or decaf, Black or green, hot or cold, tea is an excellent choice for a calorie free beverage.
By this add extra flavinoids and anti-oxidants.Cathechin- a natural fat fighter which can stimulate the metabolism to burn fat faster.

- Fresh fruit cooler 
Fruit juice with lots of ice and without soda or added sugar.This drink is about 70-100 calories per glass.


Enjoy summer heat without adding extra calories to your daily diet. Stay hydrated, stay fit!