Appetite suppression is often seen as one of the most effective ways to lose weight, or maintain an ideal body weight. This Buzzle write-up gives you a brief idea about how to control your appetite naturally.
Many people fail to lose weight even after exercising regularly, and taking all possible measures for weight loss. A large appetite, coupled with an excessive craving for certain food are the main problems faced by such individuals. It is true that we can burn extra calories by exercising. But if we eat an excessive amount of calorie-rich food immediately after exercising, we can end up negating all the effects of the workout session.
So, appetite control has always been a major concern for people trying to lose weight. It is true that you can find out various commercial appetite suppressants. But many people like to control their appetite naturally in order to be on the safer side, or to avoid any possible side effects associated with the commercial appetite suppressants.
Managing Your Appetite
It is not possible to turn off your appetite altogether. Our body needs energy to carry out all the vital processes, and this energy is provided by the food we consume. This is the reason why, starving yourself is not a healthy option for weight loss. Appetite control measures should be taken only for preventing excessive consumption, and not for depriving your body of food.
The simplest natural appetite suppressant is water. It has been found that drinking plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses) throughout the day can effectively reduce the total calorie intake. If you drink water at the moment you start feeling hungry, it can help reduce your hunger to a great extent.
Another simple way to reduce hunger and prevent overeating is to divide a large meal into smaller portions. Eating several smaller meals instead of three large meals is one of the most effective ways to prevent overeating, and thus lose weight.
If you develop a strong urge to eat, even if you are not so hungry, then try to divert your thoughts and keep yourself busy in some kind of activities. People trying to lose weight should never skip a breakfast. A healthy breakfast stimulates your metabolism, and provides the energy required to carry out the activities of the day. It has been observed that people who regularly have a healthy and nutritious breakfast usually do not develop frequent cravings for unhealthy snacks throughout the day.
Food that can Control Appetite
Certain herbs and food can also help control appetite and the excessive craving for unhealthy and high-calorie food. But you may not be able to take some of these herbs, if you are suffering from an underlying health condition. Therefore, be sure to talk to your physician before taking herbs for weight loss. Some commonly used food and herbs for suppressing appetite include:
- Apple
- Green leafy vegetables
- Oatmeal
- Food rich in proteins and fiber
- Soups
- Vegetable juice (spinach and wheat grass)
- Whey powder
- Flaxseed
- Walnut
- Green tea
- Psyllium
- Cayenne
- Evening primrose
- Brazilian cocoa
- Fennel
- Chickweed
- Dandelion
- Seaweed
It is very important to avoid food rich in refined carbohydrates, if you are trying to lose weight. Equally important is to include more fiber-rich food in your diet, follow a balanced diet, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and get enough sleep or rest in the night.