Does this sound familiar: You are under pressure, so you eat something quick on the run, and shortly afterwards you get really hungry again? Why does this happen?
It is really easy to explain as our appetite is regulated on both physical and mental levels. If we see a delicious meal or something smells great, various unconscious processes are stimulated in our bodies. Our salivary glands start to secrete more fluids, hormones are released, and our appetite increases.
Additionally, our bodies are not always nourished with the necessary nutrients, and these deficiencies often manifest themselves in sudden bursts of hunger, which are directed towards the foods that we should rather avoid if we did not learn a different approach.
It may have other causes such as:
Mood swings, boredom, stress, fear, depression, and emotional factors are frequent triggers. And also certain conditions, such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, PMS, hypothyroidism, bulimia, Graves’ Disease, and pregnancy may result in an increased appetite.
A healthy appetite is good. However, an unnecessary and frequent increase of appetite may result in problems, as it leads to unhealthy eating habits, weight gain, and further health issues.
Here, we will tell you which foods can assist you in decreasing your appetite in a natural way:
Apples
Apples are rich in soluble fibers, which lead to a long feeling of satiety. Soluble fibers are capable of binding lots of water and in such a manner, increase the food mush and fill the digestive tract. The pectin in apples helps to prevent high blood sugar levels and decrease sudden bursts of hunger.
Also, the high water content of apples is an important key to regulate your appetite better and to supply the body with plenty of energy. In order to control the appetite better, apples should be consumed with their peel and chewed well. By chewing well, the feeling of satiety increases and the appetite decreases.
Avocado
Many are afraid of consuming avocados as they think that they will gain weight, based on the high fat content. However, to consume simple unsaturated fatty acids and soluble fibers in moderation, such as with an avocado, will not make you gain weight; this will happen by consuming the many, bad carbohydrates of packaged foods. And another advantage: Avocadoes reduce the desire to eat too much. The included oleic acid assists in repressing appetite and supports weight loss.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is among the most impressive foods against strong appetite. It contains the impressive substance Capsaicin, which raises the body temperature, increases the metabolism, and helps to burn fat and calories faster. Cayenne pepper assists to lose excess pounds, too and achieves a longer feeling of satiety.
Cayenne pepper may be added to various dishes and provides each with a unique, aromatic taste. In order to control your appetite even better, a Cayenne pepper mixture can be drunk in between meals. Simply mix a pinch of Cayenne pepper into a cup of hot water and combine with the fresh juice of half a lemon.
Almonds
An almond is a perfect, little, and on top of it, alkaline edible nut. It grows on a tree with extraordinary powers. Neither the walnut tree nor the hazelnut bush can accomplish what the almond tree does, let alone tropical nut tree varieties.
Almonds protect from overeating. They supply polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that lower cholesterol levels. Their fiber content decreases the appetite, supports digestion, and protects from frequent hunger. If consumed regularly, almonds assist in better controlling weight and getting rid of excess pounds.
Even a handful of almonds supports the feeling of satiety and protects against strong feelings of hunger. Almonds are ideal as a quick and nutrient rich snack, ideally consumed raw in order to absorb all nutrients in an optimal way.
Green Tea
Green tea contains many secondary plant substances that reduce appetite extremely well. The secondary plant substance EGCG helps the body to increase the appetite repressing Cholecystokinin hormone. Thus, your appetite is suppressed and unwanted sweet cravings avoided.
The catechin in green tea, on the other hand, slows down the increase of blood sugar levels, protects against high insulin levels, and inhibits the deposit of fat. Stable blood sugar levels protect against sudden bursts of hunger and strong appetite. 3 to 4 cups of green tea per day help to reduce appetite and increase weight loss.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are our original food. In ancient times, humans lived from a very large amount of greens for the most part. They were available in large quantities without much effort, provided good satiety and almost all nutrients that humans require: proteins, vital substances, and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Today however, leafy greens neither count as protein nor Omega 3 suppliers for humans. That is not the leafy greens fault however. It is us humans who eat way too few leafy greens, so that this tiny amount cannot really provide enough to cover the need for macro nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates).
However, even a tiny extension of the daily green food intake will lead to improvement of your health. Leafy greens are rich in fibers and contain high levels of water. Both keep the stomach full longer and reduce the hunger signals sent to the brain. The supply many important vitamins and minerals, help to eat smaller portions, and increase the feeling of satiety.
Leafy greens (such as spinach or kale) can be added to salads or smoothies and assists in keeping your appetite at bay. There are various foods that help to reduce appetite in a natural way. Besides consuming these, it is important to drink sufficient water. Often, your appetite is increased based on thirst. Appetite can be reduced with sufficient water consumption and the feeling of hunger can be decreased.
