How To Control Your Munchies

It can be eye-opening when you find yourself stoned eating an XL pizza, or full from a trip to your local convenience store. You try your hardest to fight the urge to devour everything in sight but still have an unexplained hunger. It’s time to learn how to control your munchies.

A recent study, performed by Tamas Horvath and colleagues at Yale University, Boer Deng explains the inevitable food cravings that coincide with cannabis consumption. The study shows that cannabinoids have an effect on the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, which are responsible for indicating that you are no longer hungry. The neurons instead start running backwards, leading to an increase in your appetite.

This information delivers little shock factor if you’ve ever suffered from the munchies, but knowing this should help you prepare a plan of attack against an almost unavoidable case of the munchies.

1. Distract your mind

Do things to distract the hunger circuit that has been activated by keeping your mind entertained and motivated. Find activities you enjoy (perhaps avoid #9) that spike your interest, as well as stimulate your natural dopamine levels.

If you’re feeling adventurous, exploring the outdoors is a perfect way to go in search of something other than what’s in the cupboards. Plan a local hike in advance and get lost with your friends in the natural beauties your neighbourhood has to offer.

2. Give in…. responsibly

It’s okay to give into your cravings, but remember it’s easy to go overboard. Take control over your munchies by finding healthier foods to snack on, like nuts and mangoes.

A very interesting study about the simultaneous consumption of mangoes and marijuana was released recently. The study, by Big Buddha, states that consuming mangoes can “increase, strengthen, and even lengthen the euphoric feelings felt after smoking marijuana.” Combining this with the many other health benefits of mangoes, such as decreasing the risk of obesity and diabetes, it is a perfect go-to stoner-snack.

3. Munchies prevention

Speak with your medical marijuana provider about strain options that won’t make you as hungry. According to Jake Browne’s article, Blue Dream or Doug’s Varin will make you forget about food and conquer your personal desires. Different weed will give you different effects; so perhaps trying something with an appetite repressing effect will do the trick.

No matter what you decide to do, self-controlled consumption of both food and marijuana is achievable if making responsible, well-informed decisions. If you have any life-changing suggestions for ways to beat undesired munchies, share them below!

(Featured image courtesy of NPR)