10 states and the District of Columbia have now legalized medical marijuana. And many other states are expected to soon follow the trend.

This change is a representation of the fact that people are rethinking the way they look at marijuana, and rightly so. Marijuana has been shown to treat a variety of conditions, challenging the long-held belief that the plant was a drug and the ‘Devil’s lettuce’.

Many people believe that everyone who partakes in marijuana smoking will become lazy and not go anywhere in life other than the couch. They believe that it is impossible to live a fulfilling life while spending time getting high.

But what they don’t realize is that marijuana is what you make of it. And weed and weight loss don’t have to be at odds with each other. Read on to learn more and get tips for losing weight while you continue to indulge.

Understanding the Connection Between Weed and Your Appetite

There is no doubt in the scientific community that THC has an appetite stimulant effect. In fact, that is the reason that it is prescribed to many medical marijuana patients particularly those suffering during cancer treatment and with other debilitating illnesses.

But not all marijuana strains are the same and some are more prone to stimulating your appetite than others.

For those who don’t smoke marijuana often, it can be hard to notice the nuances between strains. They also may find it difficult to understand how anyone can function being “high all of the time.”

But, in fact, you may be surprised to find out that sativa strains of marijuana actually have a stimulating effect on the mind similar to a cup of coffee.

Humans form a tolerance to marijuana over time, like other substances. In regular marijuana users, the body adapts and begins to use the THC molecules for various functions like controlling sleep patterns, appetite, and more.

They no longer experience an intense high state, but rather just settle into a functioning pattern.

Mind Over Matter: Weed and Weight Loss Tips

Most people who are trying to lose weight don’t smoke weed. I don’t think there is a doctor out there who would recommend it as a weight loss solution.

But if the question is whether or not you can lose weight while smoking, the answer is a resounding yes.

1. Switch Your Strain

If you have been smoking regularly and eating when you do, try switching to a sativa strain to see if it has a different effect. It will.

2. Exercise

Get outside and exercise while you are high. Take a long walk and just explore nature and the world around you.

Play Pokemon Go or take up geocaching. There are tons of fun activities to do while you are high other than sit on the couch.

3. Caffeinate

Drink coffee. Caffeine still works if you are high. So if you notice yourself becoming lethargic after a smoke session, make yourself a cup of coffee to combat the effect.

The more active you stay throughout the day, the less the marijuana will have an effect on your weight.

4. Hydrate

Drink lots of water. Many people get dehydrated when they smoke and instead of feeling thirsty, they will feel hungry. If you are trying to lose weight, every time you feel hungry, drink a glass of water.

Then, if you are still hungry twenty minutes later, eat until your hunger goes away. If you do just that and nothing else, you will lose weight for sure.

5. Change Your Self Talk

Tell yourself you don’t need to eat. If you know you have had more than enough food for the day, then just stop eating. No excuses, no starting tomorrow, just stop.

There are a million excuses you can make up as to why it’s okay to eat the wrong thing ‘just this one time’. But there is a saying in the south, “a moment on the lips, forever on the hips.”

Although the saying was meant to chide women into being thin and with the rise of feminism has since been retired from popular vernacular, the sentiment is a reality. You need to focus on the big picture and your long-term goals.

Try to see the whole puzzle. Don’t focus on what you are denying yourself, encourage yourself by achieving your goals.

6. Moderate, Don’t Eliminate

There is absolutely nothing wrong with indulging yourself in a bite of deliciousness while you are high. Marijuana has a way of enhancing the pleasure you get from food.

But just because you have a bite, doesn’t mean you have to mindlessly eat the entire bag. Chew your food slowly and savor every morsel of it. Be grateful for having a job to be able to provide the food to nourish your body.

You’ll find if you eat mindfully, your body will have the time to sense that it is full before you overeat.

And the best part about eating less? You always have leftovers for later.

More Great Health Advice

Losing weight can be a struggle and trying to quit smoking marijuana on top of that can be a challenge you don’t need to take on. Just decide that you are going to be successful losing weight and take the steps you need to take to get there, high or sober.

You can make excuses, but in the end, you are only hurting yourself. Weed and weight loss can go together. Give your future self a gift and get healthy now so that you can feel good about yourself again. There is nothing wrong with being a stoner.

For more health advice, check out our blog today. We have diet and nutrition advice, and well as fitness and exercise guidance to help you achieve your goals. 2019 is going to be your year!