Can You Control The Munchies?

Can You Control The Munchies

Can You Control The Munchies

 

Are you one of those people that every time you smoke you get an intense urge to eat all the trash you can? Yeah me too, and it does mean that I had to reduce how much I smoked in order to be able to eat healthily, lose weight and save money. This was a totally personal journey, but I did find that I needed to learn how to control the munchies so that I could really enjoy smoking without spending a small fortune on food and feeling incredibly sluggish the next day. First we need to understand what causes the munchies, then we can start finding ways to avoid it. It is possible to control and indeed stop the munchies altogether when you want to. Then you can continue to enjoy the occasional snack and junk fest with friends and a film. 

 

What Are The Munchies?

 

The munchies are what we call it when you smoke and you feel an increased need to experience the smells, textures and flavours of food and drinks. Usually we are attracted to more fat and sugar filled snacks purely due to the increased flavour and the reward culture based around food that is bad for us. Researchers believe that THC stimulates a variety of hormones in the brain. One of which is known as ghrelin, which is known for stimulating the appetite and the senses associated with food. This is also why cannabis is used medicinally to stimulate the appetites of those who suffer from AIDS, cancer and a variety of other issues that reduce ability to eat healthily. Some strains are more likely to activate this hormone than others, but some of us fall prey easily to the wiles of the munchies while others don’t. So yeah, that’s basically it. THC triggers our brains to want to chow down on a bunch of melted cheese, some crunchy crisps, or a bunch of deliciously smooth chocolate. 

 

Can They Be Stopped?

 

The answer to this is a simple yes, although it will be harder for some than others. Personally my motivation and impulse control when smoking weed hits 0, but you can certainly give it a go. 

 

Stay Active

 

For me the easiest way to distract myself from the munchies is to keep busy. The time I get most into the idea of ordering a bunch of unhealthy snacks is when I’m just sitting watching tv or a film. If you spend your high time being active, going for a walk, playing video games, doing something creative while you watch your film, whatever works for you. Keeping active will stop you from hitting the nightmare combination of the munchies and boredom eating. I like baking when I have the munchies because I will eat something tasty at the end but it keeps you active meaning you’re not as likely to binge. 

 

Find Delicious Real Food

 

My buddy and I used to save up and once a month we would get baked and go to a nice restaurant. This is such a treat for the senses, far more than just scarfing down a pizza. You get to experience a delicious variety of flavours and textures while still eating a healthy balance of food groups. If you don’t like going out high then order from somewhere nice, maybe get Japanese food or something equally healthy. Then you get to associate your munchies with fresh, yummy food that won’t make you feel gross and stodgy. I recommend the restaurant thing really, it was so fun and it gave us something to work towards and look forward to all month. Honestly, it would usually help me with my budgeting as well. 

 

Earn It

 

If you love having your unhealthy snacks when you’re high but the aftermath makes you sad, try working out in advance. I’ve found that as a mental health helper in general I feel less bad about my “bed days” if I’ve at least done my washing or gone for a walk. In the same way, it can be less intense to have a big munch session after you’ve had a work out. Even if it doesn’t affect your brain it will likely reduce the amount of weight you gain from your snacking. You’ll basically be replacing the calories you burn off but personally I basically work out so I can eat whatever. 

 

Figure Out Your Weaknesses

 

Removing temptations and knowing your weaknesses can help you reduce the munchies. If you have lots of snacks in the house you will probably go through all of them. If you have the money ready to buy a pizza or a burrito you’ll probably use it. Try to make sure you have some snacks in the house, something to satisfy the basic munch needs, but don’t fill your house with crap before a night of smoking. If you can fill your cupboards with yummy but healthy food that you can eat easily, maybe pre make yourself some stir fry or other flavourful but healthy meals so you can go to town on those instead of something fatty. 

 

Change Strains

 

If none of these work and your appetite cannot be tamed, just try a different strain. As I said earlier certain strains will cause more intense munch reactions than others. This is why there are certain strains that those with a low appetite use to boost their need to eat. If a strain gives you the munchies every time you smoke it, just change it up. Try as many different strains as you can until you find one that doesn’t make you hungry. A lot of the time strains that are higher in CBD are better for those who suffer from intense munchies. 

 

Drink Water

 

It is so easy for us to become dehydrated, especially when smoking. Being thirsty will usually mean that you also feel hungry. Have a big bottle of water next to you while you smoke and whenever you feel the need to eat just start drinking. The chances are your mouth will be dry anyway and cold water will taste amazing. 

 

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Photo by Ryan Quintal on Unsplash

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