Healthy cannabis munchies snacks are easy to find in your home or at your local store. As a person who also loves to smoke cannabis daily and researches nutrition, I understand the struggles of controlling munchies and cravings. However, I have discovered the top 10 filling and healthy snacks that satisfy even the biggest munchies and sugar cravings. In this article, I will explain why smoking cannabis gives you the munchies, the benefits of smoking
Sativa strains, and the best and worst strains for controlling cravings.
Why Does Cannabis Give You the Munchies?
Cannabis is well-known for its psychoactive effects, and one of the most commonly experienced side effects of smoking it is the intense feeling of hunger, commonly referred to as the munchies. The munchies can be a blessing for some and a curse for others, especially those who are trying to maintain a healthy diet or a lean physique. But why does cannabis give you the munchies in the first place?
Hormones That Increase Smell and Taste
The answer lies in how cannabis interacts with our brain’s reward system. When we consume cannabis, the active compounds in it, such as THC, interact with our brain’s CB1 receptors, which are responsible for regulating our appetite, among other things. This interaction triggers the release of hormones that stimulate hunger and increase our sense of smell and taste, making food more appealing and delicious.
Craving High Calorie Foods
Moreover, cannabis also affects the levels of ghrelin and leptin, the hormones responsible for hunger and satiety, respectively. THC increases ghrelin production while decreasing leptin levels, causing us to feel hungry and crave high-calorie foods even when we’re full. Understanding how cannabis affects our body and appetite is crucial for managing the munchies and maintaining a healthy diet. Choosing healthy cannabis munchies snacks can keep you full and remove your cravings.
How Cannabis Cravings Affect Your Sugar and Sweet Tooth
THC enhances the activity of sweet taste receptors in the mouth. This increases the sensitivity to sweet foods and intensifies the craving for sugary treats. Cannabis cravings don’t just make you hungry, they make you a sugar monster raiding your kitchen cabinets. When we consume cannabis, our brain’s reward system is activated, releasing dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, which can intensify our cravings for sweets and high-calorie foods. Moreover, THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been shown to activate the brain’s CB1 receptors, which can stimulate appetite and increase the sensitivity to sweet tastes.
Cannabis Insulin Resistance
Research has also shown that consuming cannabis can affect our blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, potentially increasing the risk of developing diabetes and other metabolic disorders. High levels of THC can impair glucose metabolism and cause insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and the accumulation of body fat. Therefore, it’s crucial to be mindful of our sugar intake when consuming cannabis, especially if we’re already at risk for diabetes or obesity. Incorporating healthy snacks that are low in sugar and high in fibre can help satisfy our cravings and maintain our blood sugar levels.
Top 10 Filling and Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Munchies and Cravings
- Carrots and Hummus
- Greek Yogurt with Berries
- Almonds and Dried Fruit
- Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter and Banana
- Cottage Cheese with Fruit and Cinnamon
- Edamame
- Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Sliced Cucumber with Cream Cheese
- Whole Wheat Crackers with Cheese
- Apple Slices with Almond Butter
The Benefits of Smoking Sativa Strains
Sativa strains contain higher levels of THC-V, which can reduce hunger and control cravings. They also have higher levels of THCV, which has been shown to suppress appetite and reduce body weight. Indica strains, on the other hand, are known to increase hunger and cravings, making them less desirable for those trying to control their appetite.
Munchies at Walmart? Here’s a Healthy Solution
If you’re at Walmart and get hit with munchies, try these healthy options:
- Fresh fruit or vegetable cups
- Pre-packaged salads
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole-grain crackers with hummus or guacamole
- Cheese sticks or single-serving cheese packs
The Worst Strain for Getting the Munchies
The worst strain for getting the munchies is Girl Scout Cookies. This strain is high in THC and low in CBD, making it more likely to cause cravings and increase appetite. Instead, try strains with higher levels of CBD, which can counteract the effects of THC and reduce cravings.
Stay Thin Getting Munchies
It’s possible to enjoy the benefits of cannabis and still maintain a healthy diet. By choosing the right strains and snacks, you can satisfy your cravings without overindulging in unhealthy foods. Remember to opt for Sativa strains, choose healthy snacks, and avoid strains high in THC and low in CBD. But the biggest secret to staying thin is to eat before you blaze. When you smoke cannabis on a full stomach, you’re less likely to get the munchies. But for me, I always toke after a stressful day before eating. That’s why I always choose healthy cannabis munchies snacks like carrots. They satisfy my cravings for something crunchy.