While many people resort to pharmaceutical and over-the-counter solutions to appetite control issues, finding lasting relief through natural and science backed methods can save you money and protect you from unwanted side-effects.
What Is Making Me Hungry?
Before looking into various appetite control solutions, it’s important to understand why your body is making you feel hungry in the first place. Your body sends signals to your brain through hormones including “full” and “hungry” hormones. Your brain has evolved to desire high-carb, high-fat foods, which were important for our survival as hunter-gatherers, when we would regularly go days without large meals. However, in a world where we have easy access to an abundance of high-calorie foods, it’s all too easy to neglect keeping a balanced diet. Your body needs a myriad of different nutrients to feel its best, and missing out on key components of your diet may lead to increased cravings. So, how can you curb those hankerings and get your appetite under control?
What Can I Do to Develop Better Appetite Control?
Check Your Carbs
Foods contain a combination of carbohydrates, fat, and protein which your body uses to power itself throughout the day. Carbs give you short-term energy, while unused carbs get stored in your body as fat. Fat stores are usually only used when the body runs out of other options (which is why it can seem so difficult to get rid of those stubborn lbs). Carbs aren’t all bad; they’re actually very necessary for your body to function. High-fiber carbs can even help release those “full” hormones to combat hunger pangs.
A few foods that are great for getting healthy carbs include:
- Quinoa
- Sweet potatoes
- Berries
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Brown rice
These foods can easily be incorporated into delicious meals that fill you up and give you energy. It’s important to consume a diet that contains a balance of everything your body needs, so be careful not to follow exclusionary diets without speaking to a health professional beforehand.
The Power of Protein
Protein-rich foods are generally more filling than their high-carb counterparts, leading you to feel less cravings without upping your calorie count. As a bonus, protein helps you increase muscle mass along with regular exercise. Great options for protein include:
- Lean meats such as turkey and chicken
- Fish like salmon
- Broccoli and cauliflower
- Greek yogurt
- Eggs
Tracking all your food intake can be a daunting task, so consulting a health and wellness specialist for nutrition coaching services is an easy way to get tailored insights about your diet.
Watch Your Water
Most people do not drink enough water. Being dehydrated leads to an array of issues including increased appetite. Humans get a significant amount of their fluids from eating, so not drinking enough water can actually make your body crave more food. Not only will staying hydrated help keep hunger at bay, but it also helps combat fatigue, headaches, and concentration issues.
Speak with A Health & Nutrition Coach in Denver
Achieving your health and fitness goals can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Whole Intent, we are experts in safe, effective ways of managing food cravings and maintaining control over your appetite. We will be with you every step of the way, advising you on all aspects of your lifestyle. With our nutrition coach at your back, you can make effective, manageable changes that help you attain your goal weight and feel amazing.
Stay safe and connect with our health and wellness coach in the Denver area today to get custom nutrition advice.