There is a reason why I was an overweight teenager.

I. Love. Food.

I am not the kind of person who can easily stop eating when I am full. Or, easily say no to food that is offered because I’m not hungry.

Those people are the reason why I have a permanent death stare on my face.

Me? I’m wired differently. I don’t want to pay attention to my stomach when it says I’m full and if someone offers me something delicious I want to say yes, regardless of if I’m hungry.

I think you catch my drift.

Since my days of being an overweight teenager, I have taken control of my health, learned to love exercise and become a nutritionist.

That doesn’t make it easier, though.

It just means that I’m properly equipped with the tools I need to know when to say yes and when to say no. I’ve learned self-control, but my mind still likes to argue with me on that.

In other words, I’m still the “fat kid” trapped inside a healthy body.

Before I eat, these are the 3 questions I ask myself:

1. Am I thirsty?

Believe it or not, dehydration likes to disguise itself as hunger. Dehydration causes you to feel fatigued and sluggish and, just like when you’re tired, your body wants to turn to fuel to provide energy – making you feel hungry.

Next time you want to eat – grab a large glass of water and wait 20 minutes.

2. Am I tired or stressed?

Emotional eating is a big problem these days. With overly busy lifestyles we are more overtired and stressed than ever before.

Emotions create specific cravings and cause us to overeat.

If you are tired or stressed, go to bed or find something you can do to relax.

3. What fuel does my body need?

Food is meant to fuel your body, not your emotions.

When you are ready to eat, make sure you think about what kind of fuel your body needs.

Are you lacking protein today? Carbohydrates? Fats? Maybe you are low on vitamins and minerals and need some fruits or vegetables?

Assess your health needs and fulfill them. That is how you fuel your body!