We live in a culture that glorifies busyness, and in the process, we often neglect one of our most basic needs—fueling our bodies. How many times have you skipped breakfast or worked through lunch, telling yourself you’ll eat later, only to realize hours have passed and you're suddenly ravenous? At that point, you’re grabbing the quickest thing in sight, whether it's a handful of chips or a sugar-filled snack just to keep going.
When we regularly ignore hunger signals, our bodies interpret it as stress. They think, "Uh-oh, danger! I don’t know when I’m getting my next meal, so I better hold onto every bit of energy I have." Instead of burning calories efficiently, your body starts storing fat for future use—because it’s wired for survival, not modern-day busyness.
You might think skipping meals or eating less will help you lose weight, but here’s the truth: you’re not just losing fat, you’re losing muscle. And that’s a big deal, especially as we age. Muscle mass is crucial for metabolism, strength, and overall health. When your body breaks down muscle, it slows down your metabolism, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight in the long run.
Fat cells store energy, while muscle cells utilize it. So when you lose muscle, you’re less equipped to burn the calories you consume, and instead, your body stores more fat. This cycle can make you feel stuck, frustrated, and even more exhausted.
The fix? Prioritize eating—just like you would any important task on your to-do list. Make time to pause and eat meals that nourish you, even if it feels like one more thing to add to your busy day. Fuel your body with balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Not only will you avoid that starving, hangry feeling, but you'll also keep your metabolism working for you, not against you.
Remember, your body isn’t something to push through the day. It’s your home, and it needs fuel to keep you thriving. So the next time you’re tempted to skip a meal or think “I’ll get to it later,” pause and ask yourself—Are you getting enough?
Your health is worth the time. You’re worth the time.
Here’s a quick tip: Prep your meals and snacks the night before, so when life gets busy, you’ve got something nourishing and ready to go!
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