Is Daylight Savings Making you Hangry? Here’s why…
Let's get real for a sec: that whole daylight saving time thing? It's more than just a bummer that you lose an hour of your weekend. It can actually mess with your appetite and make you feel all out of whack. It's like your body's built-in navigation system gets a little confused, and your stomach is the first to feel it.
Your Internal Clock and Your Grub
Think of your circadian rhythm as your body's personal conductor, directing everything from when you feel sleepy to when you get hungry. This rhythm is super sensitive to light and dark. So when we "spring forward" or "fall back," it's like someone suddenly changes the music in the middle of a song. Your body has to scramble to catch up, and that confusion can throw a wrench into your whole system. And since your hunger and metabolism are part of that system, you're going to notice a difference.
The Sneaky Side of Sleep
We all know losing an hour of sleep in the spring can leave you feeling groggy, but it's not just your eyelids that feel heavy. That little bit of sleep deprivation can also totally mess with the hormones that tell you when to eat and when to stop.
Ghrelin, the "I'm hungry!" hormone, goes into overdrive.
Leptin, the "I'm full!" hormone, starts to slack off.
It's a one-two punch that makes you feel hungrier and less satisfied after a meal. Suddenly, those cookies look a lot more appealing than the apple you packed. It's not a lack of willpower; it's just your body sending you some mixed signals. This is why you might find yourself reaching for salty snacks or sugary treats even when you're not really hungry.
Taming the Time Change
You can't stop the clocks from changing, but you can absolutely give your body a helping hand. Here are a few tips to keep your appetite in check and your stomach happy:
Ease into it. A few days before the time change, try to adjust your bedtime and mealtimes by 15 minutes each day. It’s like a gentle warm-up for your body's internal clock.
Soak up the sun. Get outside for some natural light, especially in the morning. This is one of the best ways to tell your body, "Hey, it's a new day!" and get your rhythm back on track.
Stick to your routine. Consistency is your best friend right now. Try to eat your meals and go to bed at the same time each day to help your body find its footing again.
Listen to your body. Be mindful of what you're eating and how you feel. Instead of mindlessly reaching for a sugary fix, ask yourself if you're actually hungry or just a little out of sorts. Focus on whole foods and lots of water to help your body feel its best.
By being a little more intentional, you can navigate the time change without your cravings taking over.
xoxo,
Elizabeth
P.S. If you are ready to start dominating your health goals, go here to set up your free discovery call and book a package.
