"The Hunger Games" may provide you with a good movie-going experience, but if you're trying to maintain or achieve a healthy weight, feeling hungry can be a game-losing strategy.
That's why we say: Aim to shed a pound a week, and make sure you eat five to nine servings of fruits and veggies every day.
You'll change your eating habits for a lifetime, and your weight won't bounce up and down, which is hard on your metabolism, insulin regulation, and cardio system.
We also know that you can never have too much help when it comes to managing your weight. So here's more information from the Institute of Food Technologists on controlling your hunger and binge eating.
1. Become a lean-protein pro. Add one serving of protein (a poached egg, three egg whites or 3 ounces of lean chicken or tuna) to breakfast and snack on one serving midafternoon.
2. Get 100 percent whole-grains: These tasty carbs digest slowly, contain lots of fiber and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
3. Go nuts! Snacking on 12 walnut halves (with heart-friendly anti-inflammatory omega-3s) or 23 almonds (equal to one serving) protects your brainpower, quells hunger, and improves your love life.
4. Hummus a happy tune. Chickpeas, as well as lentils and dried peas and beans, are fiber-rich and packed with protein; it's one more way to help tamp down cravings.
Now you can head to the movie theater and just say "no" to sugary, fatty concessions!