Natural Ways to Manage Hunger

When it comes to dieting and maintaining your health, there’s a lot of bad advice out there. Diet fads aren’t always backed by science or suitable for you. One popular product for weight loss is appetite suppressant pills. While the pills may work for some people, that doesn’t mean they’re healthy for everyone—and in general, you shouldn’t take pills without the OK from your doctor. That being said, there are natural ways you can manage your hunger to help you meet your health goals. So before you decide to jump on the next fad diet, try using these natural tactics.

  1. Drink More Water

Water is quite possibly the most important thing the human body craves. The body consists mostly of water, which should be a good enough reason to stay hydrated.

Putting aside all the health benefits water provides (like joint lubrication, healthy skin, and much more), water can help weight management tremendously. Filling up on water can help you feel fuller and thus eat less while remaining hydrated. Some dieticians recommend drinking a full glass of water before digging into a meal.

  1. Sleep Well

Everyone needs a full night’s rest to recover and rebuild. When you deprive your body of sleep, it craves more nutrients to keep going throughout the day. By getting a full eight hours of rest, you will give the body enough time to recharge and replenish, helping you avoid fatigue and hunger throughout the day.

  1. Reduce Stress 

Cortisol is your body’s stress hormone. When dealing with stress, one result of high cortisol levels is an increase of cravings to eat. By finding ways to manage your stress levels, you can better prevent overeating and ultimately live a healthier lifestyle. Lowering your stress level is an integral part of a healthy body. Ensuring you take the time to lower your cortisol levels will positively impact your physical and mental health.

  1. Buy Smaller Dishes

Using smaller dishes and bowls is a psychological trick to help people manage their portion sizes. When using larger plates, it’s easier to take a more substantial portion than you need. Conversely, when using smaller dishware, you can fill up your plate without feeling like you’re eating less. If you own mostly large dishware, try buying a smaller set and see what it does for your portion control efforts.

  1. Get Plenty of Exercise 

Exercise not only burns fat, but it can also help to reduce hormone levels linked to hunger. When getting into physical activity, your body focuses on the activity at hand. After a workout, the feeling of energy and motivation tends to linger, helping your body remain focused on the day while limiting the desire to eat. 

  1. Eat More Protein and Fiber

Eating more protein can help promote fat loss over muscle loss when losing weight. Protein also helps to keep you full longer. Fiber helps to stretch the stomach and slow down digestion, which keeps you feeling full. Eating foods like beans, chickpeas, and lentils can add extra protein and fiber to your diet.

  1. Add Ginger, Cinnamon, and Saffron to Your Diet

Certain spices are also known to help reduce hunger. Some spices can increase metabolism and help burn fat. Ginger, cinnamon, and saffron, for example, all offer many health benefits, including the ability to curb your appetite. Try using some of these spices in a tea or your next meal to see how they may help reduce your cravings.

  1. Increase Your MCT Intake

With the rising popularity of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil within health and wellness circles, you may be wondering what is MCT oil good for and why. Derived from coconut oil and palm oil, MCT oil is a fully concentrated form of MCTs, a specific type of fat that the body can use for energy in the absence of carbohydrates.

Many people on the ketogenic diet use MCT oil to prompt fat burning, but it can also help curb your appetite. Consuming MCTs increases the release of “hunger hormones” that make you feel full.

Happier, Healthier Dieting

When it comes to weight loss, the critical thing to focus on is getting ample energy and all the right vitamins and minerals while cutting down on excess. If you struggle with cravings or overeating, then natural appetite suppressants may be exactly what you need to reduce intake of unhealthy foods.