Cravings

Do you find yourself hungry often? Scents and sights of food can trigger your cravings even if you're not really hungry. The digestion process begins when salivary amylase begins (your mouth waters) as you begin to chew and your stomach is signaled to release its gastric juices.

It's tough when you smell your favorite food and a strong craving hits! If you slow down and take a mindful approach to eating you can avoid overeating. Instead, eating only when you've determined you're really hungry and you're properly hydrated and not giving into emotional eating. Being aware of portion control.

Did you know that your ability to get and stay full is directly related to your ability to make the right food choices at your next meal and throughout your day. Choosing proteins and fats are more satisfying than other nutrients. While fruits and vegetables contain more water and grains have more starch.

Hunger like sleep is a hormonal sensation. The main hunger hormones that influence your hunger are insulin, leptin and ghrelin.

• Insulin is your storage hormone released after eating carbohydrates released in the form of glucose to deliver nutrients to your cells used for fuel or to be stored.

• Ghre