Finding foods that are the best natural appetite suppressants should be part of any girls diet. These are foods that keep you fuller for longer and therefore naturally suppress your appetite between meals. These foods contain fibre, water and air which cause the stomach to stretch and empty slowly. Foods like this also have fewer calories than other foods, which means you can eat more of them, thereby multiplying the effect and leaving you more satisfied. So, if you want to fill up without filling out, try adding these foods that are natural appetite suppressants to your meal plan today.
1. Oatmeal
There are reason why oatmeal is such a popular and highly recommended breakfast food and that's because it's one of the best foods that are natural appetite suppressants. Eat oatmeal for breakfast and you will feel fuller for longer. This is because oatmeal contains good carbs and lots of fibre. It’s also very versatile because you can add all sorts of delicious foods to seriously ramp up the nutritional value of your brekkie. Make overnight oats so you have a scrumptious breakfast waiting for you when you get up.
2. Apple
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Ok, so we know nowadays that there isn’t much scientific truth in that, except for the the fact that apples are good for you. This is because they contain lots of fibre. Fibre is one of the best nutrients to keep hunger at bay. Apples are also low in calories and fat, which makes them a great snack. Add a diced apple to your morning oatmeal for a powerful breakfast.
3. Avocado
Avocados have become one of the trendiest foods on the planet and Instagram is filled with gorgeous pictures of avo toast. And with good reason. It isn’t just hip foodies who know the value of this creamy green fruit. Some women worry about avocado because of the fat content, but it is the fat content that makes avocados so good and so filling. The fats in an avocado are good fats that take a long time to digest and therefore help to keep you full. The soluble fibre in avocados also helps to slow digestion down.
4. Eggs
Eggs are another great choice for breakfast if you want to stay full up until lunchtime. The magic ingredient in eggs is protein, most of which is found in the egg white. There are lots of other beneficial nutrients too, particularly in the whites, which is why egg white omelettes are a popular choice as a breakfast or lunch dish (as well as the fact that there is less cholesterol and fat than in the egg yolk). These nutrients include vitamins B6, B12 and D, selenium, iron, copper and zinc.
5. Beans, Chickpeas and Lentils
Members of the legume family, also called dietary pulses, do a great job of filling you up. They are rich in protein, full of fibre and also contain B vitamins, iron and lots of antioxidants. Pulses are really flexible in how you use them and can be used instead of meat or counted towards your vegetable quota for the day. Eat more pulses to help control your appetite.
6. Fermented Foods
This includes pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut. The special ingredient is probiotics. These are healthy bacteria which aid digestion. Another other special ingredient in fermented foods is short chain fatty acids. Recent research has found that these are important in signalling your appetite. The New York Academy of Science has stated that short chain fatty acids stimulate the production of hormones that cross the blood/brain barrier, strengthening the bond between the gut and the brain. The next time you’re hungry, reach for a pickle, instead of a handful of crisps.
7. Water
Before you shout out that water isn’t food, technically it is because it fuels your body. It is one of the most powerful natural appetite suppressants because of the tricks your body likes to play. Often, we mistake thirst for hunger. If you aren’t hydrated enough, you crave water, but that can often disguise itself as hunger. The next time you think you’re hungry, try a glass of water and remember, there’s jolly good reason why it is recommended you drink 5-8 glasses of water a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are natural appetite suppressants?
- Natural appetite suppressants are foods that help you feel full longer, reducing hunger and preventing overeating.
- Which foods best suppress appetite for weight loss?
- High-fiber foods like oats, nuts, and vegetables, as well as protein-rich options like eggs and Greek yogurt, are great natural appetite suppressants.
- Can drinking water help control my appetite?
- Yes, drinking water before meals can help fill your stomach and reduce feelings of hunger.
- Are there fruits that help reduce appetite?
- Yes, fruits like apples, berries, and grapefruits are high in fiber and water content, which can help keep you full.
- How does protein help with appetite control?
- Protein increases levels of fullness hormones and reduces hunger hormones, helping you eat less naturally.
- Is green tea effective for appetite suppression?
- Green tea contains compounds that may boost metabolism and slightly reduce appetite, making it a helpful addition to your diet.
- Are nuts good for controlling hunger?
- Yes, nuts are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, which can keep you feeling satisfied between meals.
- Can spicy foods help reduce appetite?
- Spicy foods containing capsaicin can temporarily suppress appetite and increase calorie burning.
- How important is fiber in appetite control?
- Fiber slows digestion, making you feel full longer and helping to prevent overeating.
- Should I avoid sugary snacks to control appetite?
- Yes, sugary snacks can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, increasing hunger and cravings later.