Whenever I think about losing any fat this is the first thing I think of – I hate hunger pains!
Why on earth when we live in the civilised world would we ever put ourselves through such a discomfort?
Well, by the same token why on earth would anyone ever go for a 2 mile sea swim followed by a ridiculous bike ride and then think – Oh I know, lets run a marathon.
I guess we are all a bit weird.
We need challenge and sacrifice is part of that.
I remember reading somewhere, an interview with Lance Armstrong.
When asked what he missed about giving up cycling – one of the things he said was:
“I miss the sacrifice”
I imagine one thing he doesn’t miss is living a lie – but thats a different story.
I like sacrifice too – it makes me feel good in a funny sort of way, like I am working towards a tough goal, perhaps a goal that a “normal” person wouldn’t even attempt.
But anyway, back to the hunger pains and more specifically how to avoid them.
Here are my top suggestions:
Eat a palm sized portion of protein with each meal
Make sure you are getting some healthy fat with each meal
Eat only single ingredient foods
Eat fistfuls of veg with every meal – with a little real butter if necersary.
Keep away from too high GI foods apart from post training
Eat when you fee hungry – durgh!
By that token don’t eat when you don’t – especially if you are trying to lose fat.
These tips clearly aren’t rocket science but follow them and you won’t have to suffer hunger pains, even if you are trying to drop a % or two body fat.
I rarely go hungry anymore and above all else that is because I eat 80% whole, non processed food.
Remember the mantra:
“If it had a face or grew in the ground you can eat it”
I write that as I am drinking a latte which is made with full fat cows milk – which neither had a face or grew in the ground.
Dairy is a controversial one but assuming you don’t have a sensitivity I would say its OK in moderation.
Other than that, follow these tips and you won’t go far wrong – it can even remove the need for calorie counting, which lets be honest is right pain in the you know what!
It can help to know a macro nutrient ratio which works best for your body type though, which is something I cover in my E-book – The Triathlete Nutrition Code:
You see, certain peoples bodies respond differently to nutrients like carbs.
Which body type you are can effect how much you eat.
It’s also full of great recipes for the whole family.
It’s £9.99, 12 USD ish.
Get it now:
Jamie “feeling full for longer” Leighton