“Just one more,” is the lie we so often tell ourselves before reaching back into the bag for another… and then another. We know that we shouldn’t, but before we even know it, we’re shaking the crumbs out of the bottom of the bag and into our open mouths. We know the “one more” sentiment a lie before it even leaves our lips, and yet, for some reason, we can’t help it.
If it sounds like we’re holding a mirror up to you, you’re not alone. So many of us struggle to portion control our munchies; we tend to rationalize away the guilt for a moment, only for it to resurface when our bellies are full.
So much so, that the natural next step seems to be outright banning the munchies from our homes, rather than forcing ourselves into a guilty crossroads when faced with the decision.
To continue eating, even though I know I shouldn’t, or not to continue eating, even though I really want to… That is the question.
But honestly, banning yourself from your favourite treat is not much of a win either, if you ask us. So what’s the solution here?
Luckily, all hope is not lost! There are a few things that you can start doing today that will help suppress your appetite and keep you from going back for more. By making a few minor adjustments, you can still enjoy the munchies you’ve come to love, but with none of the guilt attached.
Here are five appetite suppressants that will help you curb your eating
1. Drink water before every meal
Water is one of the best natural appetite suppressants that exists, and you only have to turn on the nearest tap to find it. In fact, studies show that drinking a large glass of water before a meal has been found to increase fullness and satisfaction, and decrease hunger.
2. Snack on dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate
If you’ve ever written dark chocolate off for being “too bitter,” you’ll be happy to know that there are many different variants that range greatly in taste and bitterness. You’ll be even happier to know that it’s been shown to suppress appetite when compared with milk chocolate. It left participants in this study feeling “more satisfied, less hungry, and with lower ratings of prospective food consumption.”
3. Add a little ginger into your diet
Who knew a relaxing cup of tea before a meal or a little ginger powder was enough to do the trick? One study found that “Ginger consumption enhances the thermic effect of food and promotes feelings of satiety.”
4. Manage your stress
Managing your stress might take the most effort out of all of the options suggested, but it’s a natural appetite suppressant that will make you feel good in many more ways than one!
Comfort eating is a common symptom of being stressed out; research has linked stress with binge eating and the consumption of non-nutritious foods.
5. Add green tea extracts into your routine
Among its many health benefits, green tea extract contains one primary component that helps suppress appetite: caffeine. Even though most people get their caffeine intake through coffee, green tea extracts are worth leaning on — not only for its appetite suppressing components but also its many added benefits.
While results may vary by individual, these five appetite suppressants are a great place to start. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your home stocked with your go-to favorite munchies without a worry in the world.