Closer is here to help you out with five easy tricks to keep those pesky hunger pangs at bay. Let's dive in and figure out how to outsmart your stomach without depriving yourself of the good stuff.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Wet Your Appetite: You know what they say—sometimes thirst is just your body’s way of crying out for water. Experts at the Cleveland Clinic are on the case, explaining, “Not drinking enough water can trick your body into thinking it’s hungry when it’s actually thirsty.” Dehydration has a sneaky way of disguising itself as hunger. So, what’s the fix? Keep that water bottle handy and sip away throughout the day. It’s like giving your body a refreshing spa day from the inside out.
Keep It Steady with Snacks
Slow and Steady: Herbalife has got some great advice for you: “Eating smaller meals every few hours helps keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.” When your blood sugar dips, your hunger can skyrocket, leaving you reaching for anything in sight. Instead, focus on snacking smart. And here’s a bonus tip—chew slowly! It’s not just about what you eat, but how you eat it. Slowing down can help you feel fuller faster, so you can eat less and still feel satisfied.
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Flaxseed, Your New Best Friend
Be Flax-able: Flaxseed is like the superhero of soluble fiber. Cheryl Mussatto, a clinical dietitian and author of The Nourished Brain, says, “Flaxseed helps you feel full because of its fiber content.” When you mix flaxseed with water, it forms a gel-like substance that slows digestion, keeping you fuller for longer. Not a fan of flaxseed? No worries! There are plenty of other foods packed with soluble fiber, like apples, black beans, oats, and sweet potatoes. Your stomach will thank you.
Spice Things Up
Spice It Up: Who doesn’t love a little kick in their food? Hot sauce and chili peppers aren’t just for adding flavor—they can also help fight off hunger. Dietitian Grace Derocha, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explains, “Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, acts on the part of the brain that controls hunger and fullness. This can help you eat less and feel satisfied sooner.” So, go ahead and spice up your meals—it’s good for your taste buds and your waistline.
Get Some Zzz’s
Give It a Rest: Sleep is more important than you might think when it comes to hunger. Experts at Georgia’s Piedmont Healthcare say, “Sleep loss can mess with your hunger hormones, like leptin and ghrelin, which control when you feel full or hungry.” When you don’t get enough sleep, your body craves more food to make up for the energy it’s lacking. It’s like your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m tired, give me a snack!” So, do yourself a favor and catch some extra Zzz’s. Your body (and your stomach) will thank you.
