Fatty Tip: You're Gonna Get Hungry...Really Hungry

You know all those products on the market that claim to 'boost your metabolism'? You know the ones, pomegranate extract, B vitamins, etc, etc, the list goes on forever. Well, it turns out that if you're looking for a metabolism booster, running is an excellent source.

In the process of ramping-up your muscle building and fat burning, your body becomes a calorie burning furnace. In order to keep that furnace burning, your body demands food. A lot. I find that I get hungry (noticeably) about every 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Hmm, isn't that interesting, isn't that about how often all the experts say we should be eating to maintain weight loss? Coincidence? I think not.

The key here is how you deal with the hunger. First of all, be aware that its coming and plan for it. All that hard work you put in this morning will be for naught if you satisfy that first pang with an entire bag of Doritos. Or a bucket of chicken. Seriously, you'll be starving! So, remember when I said that boatloads of veggies and fruit are essential for fat loss? This is a great place to apply that knowledge! This is also an excellent opportunity to stay on top of hydration. Every time you find yourself hungry, drink some water. Now, I'm not saying drink water instead of eating, I'm saying drink water in addition to eating. Remember, feeding the furnace is essential to keep it burning.

As an example, here's what was in my "lunch" bag today:

- Morning snack: celery and carrot spears with peanut butter

-Lunch: leftover whole-wheat spaghetti with lean ground turkey and chunky fresh veggies, with a fresh side salad with more carrots and fat-free Italian dressing

- Afternoon snack 1: Apple

-Afternoon snack 2: Banana, coffee, and a snickerdoodle (hey, I am human...)

Ok, so it wasn't all in my lunch bag - afternoon snack 2 I had when I got home from work :). But the point is to eat small snacks throughout the day. Notice the near complete lack of processed carbs, and the presence of lots of fiber, this too will help.

To avoid boredom, have lots of variety. For my veggie snacks I may have celery, carrots, cucumber spears, or sliced bell peppers. Also, don't be afraid to spice it up! Italian dressing makes a very flavorful dip with very little actual dressing used. Also, peanut butter is a great way to add in some protein. For fruits, mix it up there too. Good packable fruits include apples, pears, bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew. Sliced kiwi, anyone? Oranges, grapefruit? The list is limited only by your imagination and personal taste. The key is to move on from one as soon as you start to feel the slightest boredom - just leave it out of the rotation for a while.

How about you? What are your go-to snacks?