We could write a book, or an entire library on appetite suppressants, natural or otherwise. All of us are looking for ways to shed pounds. The Internet and television are glutted with various products, and some of them are certainly viable, but we have a better solution right under our nose.
Most of us think of hard-to-swallow pills when it comes to appetite suppressants. We are in such a rush today that we overlook the simplest of solutions. Jumping back onto the diet wagon again recently, I wanted to research natural ways to suppress my appetite. You might be surprised at what I found.
1 Water
Yes, water. Drinking 2 glasses of water before a meal, can reduce your calorie intake by 80 calories. It fills the stomach and reduces the urge to overeat. Try to drink two 8 ounce glasses of water, 5 minutes before every meal. Add lemon or berries for extra vitamins.
2 Dark chocolate
Yes, finally, some great news. Dark chocolate has stearic acid. This assists with digestion. The bitterness of dark chocolate sends signals to the body, which naturally decreases your appetite. I personally like the bitterness, but if you do not, try a cup of coffee with it, to reduce the bitter taste. Opt for 70% and above pure cocoa when you chose your dark chocolate.
3 Coffee
When consumed in moderation, coffee acts as a natural appetite suppressant. Coffee contains caffeine that helps to speed up your metabolism and keep you feeling fuller longer. Moreover, it can help to increase your energy level, boost your mood and burn fat. Coffee contains vitamins B2 and B5, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and niacin, which are all good for your health.
4 Oatmeal
This healthy suppressant, depending on the brand, contains up to 5 grams of fiber. Oatmeal will help you stay fuller longer. I love mine with blueberries and almonds and yogurt (protein) mixed in. This has become a solid morning routine for me, especially after my morning workout, and almost never feel hungry before lunch.
5 Green tea
I believe we all have heard about this one on and off over the years. If you are not a coffee drinker, green tea is a great alternative. Catechins (powerful antioxidants) in green tea help to suppress glucose and slow its movement into fat cells. This helps prevent insulin, which is good for overall health and appetite.
Read also – 8 Lunchbox Diet Ideas to Fuel Your Day
6 Apples
Apples are fantastic little snacks that are high in fiber and water. Apples keep you feeling full and they also contain pectin. Pectin can assist you in keeping your blood sugar low. Apples are really portable and healthy snacks. I keep a couple of them with me at work for when I get the early morning or late afternoon munchies.
7 Avocado
Avocado is slightly underrated appetite suppressants, but I love it in my salads. Avocados are loaded with fiber and monounsaturated fat (heart healthy fats). They send signals to the brain indicating you are full. The good news is, you do not have to eat too many of them to beat your hunger.
8 Sweet potatoes
They are loaded with vitamins A, B6, C and E. The starch in sweet potatoes resists digestion and they stay in your stomach longer helping you feel full. Sweet potatoes taste a lot better than regular potatoes so I frequently use them as a substitute. However, moderation is a must.
9 Hot sauce
I have always liked hot sauce, but never heard about using it as an appetite suppressant. This one is not for everyone, though. But hot sauce (I prefer Tabasco) will help suppress your diet by eating less, as well as drinking more water, which will reduce your hunger. Who knew?
10 Salmon
Salmon contains healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids), and is high in protein. It does not take much salmon to help you keep the snack cravings away. If you do not like salmon, tuna is a good substitute.
Salmon is a great salad or light dinner idea, when you add it dark leafy vegetables such as spinach or kale and a light vinaigrette. The added bonus is that dark leafy vegetables are also natural appetite suppressants.
11 Nuts
Nuts, especially almonds, are a rich source of vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. Almonds are also a great source of protein. I keep a baggy of these with me at work (next to the apples). This is another healthy middle-of-the-day snack. Nuts are also great additions to any salad or your morning breakfast cereal.
Read also – 10 Deliciously Healthy High-Protein Foods
There are many natural appetite suppressants, including skim milk and flaxseed among a few. The list might be much longer but I chose these ones because I use them in my own healthy diet routine. Mix and match these natural appetite suppressants and ditch your costly diet pills.
