The more you work out, the more hungry you’re going to feel. However, far too often people overcompensate for exercise and that’s one of the main reasons women don’t get the weight-loss results they anticipate. Try these strategies to outrun your hunger so you can finally cross your weight-loss finish line.

1. Pack a Snack
   The most important window for refueling is also when you’re the least hungry. A common mistake women make is believing they can just wait for their next meal, so by the time they sit down, they’re starving. If you’ve worked up a sweat for an hour or more, have a little something within 30 minutes of finishing, even if you don’t feel like it. The ideal snack has carbs to refuel your energy stores and protein to help repair muscle tissue (150 to 200 calories) If you exercise for more than 90 minutes, you’ll need a more substantial snack (200-250-calories).
2. Avoid a Reward Mentality
   Often, we feel that we’ve earned a treat or a big meal after a workout. The problem is that many women wind up taking in more calories than they burn. To avoid undoing all your hard work, stick with your normal fare and portions, then wait 10 or 15 minutes and help yourself to more if you’re still hungry. This will keep you from automatically supersizing your meals. Upgrade quality, not quantity: Treat yourself to fresh blueberries instead of your usual apple for an afternoon snack, or toast a slice of artisan whole-grain bread from the bakery instead of that supermarket loaf.
3. Clutch a Water Bottle
   That empty-pit feeling in your belly may not be triggered by hunger. The signs of mild dehydration, such as low energy and sleepiness, can dupe your brain into craving food. And because these signals start before you’re even thirsty, it’s important to drink water early and often during your workout. Make sure you take regular sips one to two hours beforehand, during your workout (every 15 or 20 minutes), and drink up afterwards.