The problem with trying to lose weight and reduce appetite is the constant feeling that you are hungry. It takes time for the body to adjust to a new eating regime, but luckily there are some great ways to suppress the appetite and the feeling of an empty stomach while you are on a diet. Here are some amazing ways to give hunger cravings the boot!

Eat A Large And Healthy Breakfast

It’s the most important meal of the day, so never skip or skimp on your breakfast. Breakfast gives your metabolism a kick start and controls your appetite for the rest of the day. As long as you are eating the right foods, you should be able to reduce your appetite later in the day. Aim to eat foods with high protein content such as bacon (grilled), eggs and yoghurt that will fill you up, so you don’t feel hungry for longer. Oats are another good method, so stock up on your porridge!

Eat More Healthy Fats

Fats are an essential part of a healthy diet, but make sure you are eating the right fats. Unsaturated fats that are found in nuts, avocado and olive oil help fill you up – but always eat in moderation. Avoid saturated fats, which are found in ‘goodies’ such as chocolates, cakes, sweets and crisps.

Chew Gum

Chewing gum fools the body into thinking you are replenishing it with food. Research has shown that people who chew gum in the early part of the day are less likely to consume more calories over lunch. Just make sure you dispose of it correctly and to keep the streets looking clean!

Exercise More

A good, vigorous bout of exercise releases endorphins into the brain, which leads to our pleasure centre being stimulated. Consuming food also stimulates the pleasure centres of the brain. But if you replace the buzz you get after eating with physical activity, it will suppress and reduce your appetite for up to 2 hours after you have exercised.

If you are just starting out with exercise, it is important to take it steady and increase your activity over time. There is plenty of help available on the Internet, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. For example, the guys from Gym Junkies have put together this great beginner workout plan to help you kickstart your fitness.

Drink More Water

The more water you drink, the less dehydrated you will be, but also, the more your stomach will feel full. Regularly drink throughout the day to avoid compulsive snacking and drink a substantial amount before meals to reduce appetite and portion size.

Take Time Between Servings

It takes time for your body to send signals from the stomach to the brain telling it that it has been ingesting food. This is why sometimes it is possible to overeat, and we end up feeling as if we are going to burst. If you wait 20 minutes between your starter and main, and main and pudding, you will find that you require far less of a portion – and in the case of pudding, perhaps none at all!

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