The Food Network vs. Hunger Games

How many of you watch Food Network TV? Fitting isn't it? We have access to food in some way, shape or form from the comforts of our couch 24/7 in a society that continues to grow larger and exercise less. I'm just making an observation. I'll admit I've enjoyed a good episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on occasion and was excited to have found one of the gems featured on the show, up north called Gordy's.  As you can see they are known for their "famous hamburgers."  Honestly, they are pretty tasty.  Lucy thought so too.

Lucy vs. the Burger

Eating is meant to be a pleasure.  It is also needed to sustain life.  Unfortunately, we have taken the pleasure factor and super-sized it to not only sustain life but to bury it in fat, sugar, preservatives and increased risk of disease, often without a thought.  Too much of a good thing is really not that good.  I guess what I want you to think about while reading this is how often are you thinking about food?  How often are you acting on your thoughts about food? And, how hungry are you really when you are eating it?  I sure hope you enjoyed it.  I personally think the discomfort of overeating can be as uncomfortable if not more so than hunger.  When was the last time you were truly hungry?


Have you lost track of your hunger? If so there is a handy tool called a Hunger/Satiety Scale.  It's been a while since I have come across one so I'm suspecting this is might be new to you. I found one to use from the McKinley Health Center.  Simply put, the scale is a way of rating your hunger, with #1 being famished/starving, #5 being neither hungry nor full, and #10 being painfully full.  Again, with food on the brain or in our face 24/7 it is simple to lose focus. Give it a try. Print it out and hang it on your pantry or refrigerator door. Other Tips from McKinley Health Center in relation to the hunger scale include:

• Aim to stay between 3-7. If trying to lose weight, try to stay between 3-6.
• Plan ahead.
• Train your body to be hungry and ready to eat when you have a break.
• Prepare healthy meals and snacks so you don’t have to rely on fast food or vending machines. You will save money too.
• Have a snack of 150-200 calories available if you get hungry and must go longer than 3-5 hours between meals.
• Try to eat without distractions (such as work or TV), which promote mindless eating. A better awareness of what you are eating will help you eat appropriate amounts.
• Eat with others, if possible. Sit at a table and use plates and utensils. Intentionally creating a pleasant and relaxed dining experience may help you appreciate your food and regulate your intake.

That's a wrap for today.  I'm getting hungry. I would say I'm at a 4.  Have a great day!

And if the mood strikes you, visit my face book page for more nutrition and wellness information http://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness .  ~Be Well!