The average cannabis user has a secret weapon in the battle against the bulge. Unlike beer-drinking counterparts who rely on high-calorie drinks to escape their thoughts, marijuana enthusiasts don’t have to consume empty calories to achieve a similar effect. However, this doesn’t mean that staying fit while enjoying cannabis is easy. While the plant itself isn’t harmful to personal health, indulging in the munchies can lead to overeating and unwanted weight gain. But fear not, there are ways to stay in shape without giving up the weed. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy body while still enjoying your favorite herb.
Controlling the Munchies
To tame the beast known as the munchies, it’s important to understand them. While we could delve into the science behind it all, it’s not necessary to know the details of censors, receptors, and binding to combat the urge to eat everything in sight after smoking weed. Simply put, the compound in cannabis that makes us feel high (THC) tricks our brains into activating our body’s internal feeding mechanism. And it does so in a big way.
But before we go any further, let’s clear the air. The munchies aren’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, this common side effect of cannabis consumption has been a lifesaver for countless cancer patients struggling to maintain a healthy diet during chemotherapy. We would even argue that the appetite-inducing properties of marijuana are one of its most beautiful qualities. Who doesn’t love catching a fierce case of the munchies and then indulging in a Chinese buffet with friends? Good times!
However, as we age and our metabolism slows down, regular feasting sessions can become problematic. While some studies have shown that cannabis users have a lower BMI on average than non-users, it’s no secret that indulging in whole pizzas, half gallons of ice cream, and other sugary treats during a munchies episode can lead to weight gain. But fear not, controlling the munchies just takes a little savoir faire.
Avoiding the Grocery Store
One of the easiest ways to avoid overeating during a munchies episode is to simply not have tempting snacks readily available. Instead of going to the grocery store while high, try to stock up on healthy snacks beforehand. This way, when the munchies hit, you’ll have nutritious options to choose from instead of reaching for junk food.
Eating Mindfully
Another way to control the munchies is to practice mindful eating. This means paying attention to your body’s hunger cues and stopping when you feel full. It’s easy to get carried away and keep eating when the munchies are in full force, but by being mindful of your body’s signals, you can avoid overeating.
Staying Active
Regular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight, and it can also help combat the munchies. By staying active, you’ll burn off any excess calories consumed during a munchies episode and keep your body in shape.
In conclusion, while the munchies can be a challenge for those trying to stay fit, it’s not impossible to enjoy cannabis and maintain a healthy body. By being mindful of your eating habits and staying active, you can beat the battle of the bulge and still enjoy your favorite herb. So go ahead, light up and stay fit!
