
Natural appetite suppressants for children are always recommended over artificial supplements. Here is an article that deals with the best and safe ones for children.
Obesity is a rampant problem faced by adults and children alike. The sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle and increasing appetite for fast food could be some of the reasons to blame for child obesity. Adults can try various quick weight loss diets, fad diets, and weight loss supplements; kids are left with very few choices. The best thing that can be used for weight loss in kids are appetite suppressants. Well, I am not talking about pills, which by the way should be strictly avoided for children. There are numerous natural appetite suppressants for children, which can be used to avoid those untimely hunger pangs that your child might be experiencing.
Basics
As their name suggests, these are natural food sources that curb your hunger for a longer period of time. Untimely hunger pangs is a common problem, especially with overweight people who indulge into a hectic exercising routine and controlled diet. Choosing appetite suppressants for kids is pretty tricky for various reasons. First of all, parents should understand that since they are in their growing stage, children and teenagers are ought to be hungry all the time, rather, it is a sign of healthy growth. In fact, lack of hunger indicates health problems. But then, feeling hungry literally all the time is also not good. You should consider giving your kids some natural suppressants in this case. But, make sure you consult a dietitian before going for these. There are numerous safe, natural food products, which are available at home, that can be used to suppress appetite.
Apples
As goes the saying, apples are one of the super fruits that should be a part of everyone’s diet. However, replacing apples with kids’ favorite pizzas and burgers is a challenge that you may have to overcome. Apples are healthy and a rich source of various essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. If your children are reluctant to eat apples (which I am sure they initially will be), you can prepare plain apple juice (without sugar in any form) for them.
Bananas
Similar to apples, bananas are one of the best foods for everyone, right from athletes to patients, and adults to kids. Even a single banana can suppress appetite to a great deal, which is also the reason why bananas are called early satiety provider fruits. They are easily available and limited number of bananas are sufficient for suppressing hunger for a longer period of time.
Broth
Various types of vegetable broths and chicken stocks act as the best suppressors. They are tasty, and they also provide you with calories and protein. One thing to remember here is, to avoid using canned and pre-packaged broths. Make sure that kids have broths that are fresh and made at home. That way, they will enjoy the food even more!
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the strongest hunger solutions, and hence, flaxseeds are ranked higher. You can give raw or roasted flaxseeds to kids. You can also add crushed flaxseeds in various healthy salads, vegetables, and fruit smoothies.
Herbs
After proper consultation with a dietitian or health care provider, you may decide to give various natural herbs to children. Some of these are hoodia gordonii, lemon balm, and wood betony.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an ideal choice for breakfast. Owing to the richness of slow burning carbohydrates, the original motif of eating oatmeal for breakfast was to curb hunger for long. Along with breakfast, you can provide oatmeal as a replacement for evening snacks. Some people also try making oatmeal recipes, like polentas, to bring in variation, and so can you.
Organic Pickles
One of the most easily available foods, that are tasty and healthy are pickles. No, I am not talking about the oily, spicy pickles. I am referring to the organic ones. You know something? You can make fruit pickles or use cucumbers, lemon, and herbs and make your own version of a healthy pickle. Or you can buy organic pickles. However, always ensure that you are purchasing freshly made pickles, and that too from a good organic store.
Vegetables
As we all know, various green and leafy vegetables are the biggest source of nutrition. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, celery, various types of lettuce, spinach, carrots, cucumber, etc., are the best for kids as well as adults. However, it is very important that these vegetables are consumed in raw form (as much as possible). If your child is reluctant, then you can prepare various kinds of delicious salads with low fat and low calorie salad dressings.
Water
It is considered as the best way to curb hunger, and kids should be encouraged to drink at least 1-1.5 liters of water daily. Water gives a heavy feeling and suppresses hunger. Along with curbing your hunger, water also works great for stabilizing the rate of metabolism, which is the key to weight loss. So, make your kids drink water at regular intervals. That will help them curb their frequent pangs of hunger, and then water does have loads of benefits to offer, which it will on your kids’ overall health and metabolism.
Other Foods
- Almonds
- Aloe vera
- Blessed thistle
- Cranberry juice, unsweetened
- Dandelion
- Devil’s claw
- Ginseng
- Grapefruit
- Green tea
- Herbal tea
- Peppermint tea
- Red pepper
- Salmons
- Saw palmetto berries
- Turmeric
- Yogurt
While choosing any one, you must also see to it that the kids are following a regular exercise routine suitable for their age. Also, kids should be kept motivated to shed those extra pounds by convincing them of how it is going to keep them fit and fine.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.