28 Sep Feed Me!

Exercise makes you hungry. It’s basic physics. Food provides the energy to get you out of bed in the morning. If you get out of bed then get on your bicycle for a two mile ride, you’re upping your energy needs. Hunger is the trigger your body uses to say, “I need more energy!”

(Don’t forget, sweating uses energy. So, peddle a little faster. Think of that moisture on your brow as lost calories.)

You’re using more energy, so you’re feeling hungrier, but it’s not an excuse to overeat. Exercise helps to make you feel more satisfied with the food you eat; compelling you to eat less throughout the day.

Exercise helps to make you feel satisfied longer, compelling you to east less throughout the day.

Your body wants healthy fuel. Starbucks mocha and a scone aren’t it. Starting your day with nutritious food puts you on the right track for the whole day, not to mention your whole life. People who eat a healthy breakfast are 30% less likely to be overweight. Being lean and healthy also means a reduced risk of diabetes.

My favorite breakfast fill-me-ups:

• A high-fiber English muffin, turkey bacon and an egg. Protein in eggs and turkey fights sugar cravings later in the day. The muffin’s fiber is a speed bump in your bloodstream, slowing down how quickly sugar is released.
• Steel cut oatmeal, flaxseed, blueberries and an ounce of walnuts. Oatmeal’s fiber also does its job on your blood sugar levels. Nuts contain both protein and fat, slowing down digestion and stretching out that full feeling.
• Greek yogurt, ½ cup of berries, 1 tsp. of flaxseed.
• Peanut butter (or some other nut butter) on whole grain toast. (This is the super duper fast out-the-door fill me up!)