A real challenge to maintaining a healthy weight and clean eating is hunger, especially when it presents itself between your main meals. You want something to fill you up until your next meal but you also don’t want your meals and snacks to be so calorie laden that they threaten to ruin your best-made diet plans. So what can help you maintain the right balance? Here are 5 foods that can help you fight hunger, curb appetite, and best of all, stay slim and feel amazing:
1. Lean Protein
Lean protein takes longer to digest and helps you to feel full longer. Add protein to your main meals or have small portions as snacks to help control hunger. A big salad with lean protein can help fill up your stomach and reduce cravings. Nuts are another good source of protein, however, eat no larger than a handful as a snack, as nuts are calorie dense.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a popular choice when it comes to healthy snacking, given its overall versatility and affordability. Use natural sugar-free oats and mix with fruit and nuts for a nutritionally beneficial and filling snack. Oatmeal is rich in fiber and low in calories. Overnight oats in a jar is a popular oatmeal-based meal made by layering a jar with oats, non-dairy milk alternatives, coconut or almonds, and nuts or seeds.
3. Whole Fruits and Vegetables
Whole fruits and vegetables are a healthy way of achieving appetite control. Consuming fruit or vegetable juices can leave you feeling hungry in no time at all. Eating whole fruits and vegetables gives you the benefit of fiber which helps manage cravings more effectively. Eat them with proteins in the form of nuts, a small portion of natural nut butter, or seeds, for added protein.
4. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a powerhouse superfood with a whole host of amazing benefits. They are a good low carb, high fiber protein and a rich source of omega fatty acids and antioxidants called lignans. The fiber content in flaxseeds works as a natural appetite suppressant by helping you feel satiated longer. Natural flaxseeds are hard to digest and, therefore, it is recommended to have them ground and mixed into your meals. Drink lots of water and ease them into your diet slowly.
5. Peppermint Tea
Early studies on the effects of peppermint seem to indicate that the smell of peppermint can be linked to a reduction in cravings. Steep 1 tsp. of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and enjoy as an in-between-meal appetite suppressant. Do consult with your doctor before using peppermint tea if you are pregnant or have any medical complaints.
Fighting hunger pangs doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Control portion sizes, eat small meals regularly throughout the day and choose from the above 5 foods to naturally curb appetite and keep you feeling full longer.
1. Lean Protein
Lean protein takes longer to digest and helps you to feel full longer. Add protein to your main meals or have small portions as snacks to help control hunger. A big salad with lean protein can help fill up your stomach and reduce cravings. Nuts are another good source of protein, however, eat no larger than a handful as a snack, as nuts are calorie dense.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a popular choice when it comes to healthy snacking, given its overall versatility and affordability. Use natural sugar-free oats and mix with fruit and nuts for a nutritionally beneficial and filling snack. Oatmeal is rich in fiber and low in calories. Overnight oats in a jar is a popular oatmeal-based meal made by layering a jar with oats, non-dairy milk alternatives, coconut or almonds, and nuts or seeds.
3. Whole Fruits and Vegetables
Whole fruits and vegetables are a healthy way of achieving appetite control. Consuming fruit or vegetable juices can leave you feeling hungry in no time at all. Eating whole fruits and vegetables gives you the benefit of fiber which helps manage cravings more effectively. Eat them with proteins in the form of nuts, a small portion of natural nut butter, or seeds, for added protein.
4. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a powerhouse superfood with a whole host of amazing benefits. They are a good low carb, high fiber protein and a rich source of omega fatty acids and antioxidants called lignans. The fiber content in flaxseeds works as a natural appetite suppressant by helping you feel satiated longer. Natural flaxseeds are hard to digest and, therefore, it is recommended to have them ground and mixed into your meals. Drink lots of water and ease them into your diet slowly.
5. Peppermint Tea
Early studies on the effects of peppermint seem to indicate that the smell of peppermint can be linked to a reduction in cravings. Steep 1 tsp. of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and enjoy as an in-between-meal appetite suppressant. Do consult with your doctor before using peppermint tea if you are pregnant or have any medical complaints.
Fighting hunger pangs doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Control portion sizes, eat small meals regularly throughout the day and choose from the above 5 foods to naturally curb appetite and keep you feeling full longer.
