The silly season is upon us - work Christmas parties, end-of-year socials, and the festivities of Christmas Day and NYE - these are moments to share with family and friends, and what better way to let loose than to have a bit more food and snacks than usual!
But, after the mains are finished and the dessert plates are clean, how do you know whether you're craving more or just thirsty from all the eating?
Sometimes, we can mistake hunger for thirst1. Eating doesn't satisfy our thirst, so eating more can contribute to excess calorie intake.
What exactly is going on?
The same brain regions involved in appetite regulation and reward can influence both hunger and thirst2. As with hunger, thirst can be activated by neurons in the brain, hormones in the gut, and even dopamine pathways that help motivate behaviour2.
Thirst can also be a natural response to eating. Consuming food temporarily increases blood osmolality (concentration), triggering signals that encourage us to drink water to restore fluid balance3.
So, are you actually peckish after such a hearty meal? In many cases, you may simply be thirsty3.
Also, try to notice when you are most likely to crave food. Research suggests that women may be more likely to snack during periods of distraction, while men who are distracted during snacking may compensate by eating more at a later meal2.
Try this: when feeling hungry or craving a snack, drink a glass of water first, distract yourself for 10–15 minutes, and see whether that's what your body actually needs.
Fun fact! Drinking water before meals may help support fullness and reduce energy intake in some individuals4.
Or try to enjoy plenty of water-rich foods such as watermelon, honeydew melon, cucumber, strawberries, and oranges to help support hydration.
If you are losing the battle with persistent cravings, Calocurb is the world's only patented 100% natural appetite control supplement5. Clinical studies have shown that the active ingredient, Amarasate®, stimulates the release of appetite-regulating gut peptides including GLP-1, CCK and PYY, which help promote feelings of fullness and satiety6.
If you are looking for a natural solution to reduce cravings by up to 40%7 and reduce calorie intake by up to 18%6, Calocurb may help support your goals over the festive period.
