When was the last time you felt hungry? Not just peckish but cookie monster ravenous? If you’ve been trying to lose weight, you’ll know that feeling all too well. A little hunger is normal, but constant excessive hunger will make you grumpy and prone to unhealthy cravings. The following options will definitely help you resist temptation!
- WATER
Strictly not food but I have to mention water as it’s cheap, simple and a very effective way to nip hunger pangs in the bud. Often hunger is mistaken and can actually be an indicator your dehydrated. If you drink more water, you’re less likely to drink other calorie-laden drinks such as sodas. Also drinking water before a meal blunts your appetite. Therefore, you’ll eat less and find it easier to lose those extra pounds. So the moral of the story is drink more pure filtered water.
- GREEN VEGGIES
Green veggies, as well as other starchy vegetables such as carrots, are unmatched for their low calorie yet high satiety ratio not to mention high in nutrients. Foods that contain high levels of water, dietary fibre, and protein tend to be the most filling. Some of my personal favourites are broccoli, spinach, and kale.
- OATS
Versatile, super filling and cheap, oats are ideal for stopping hunger in it’s tracks. High in fibre and highly absorbent. When mixed with water or a dairy free milk alternative, the oats expand in your stomach and digest slowly. So start your day with oats and ideally combine it with protein/good fats to make it even more filling and a complete meal.
- GREEK YOGHURT
Protein’s ability to stave off hunger is well documented and Greek yogurt is super high in it. Also, it tastes great and is low in sugar.
- PISTACHIOS
I love my pistachios. Nuts are dense in calories from healthy fats, but pistachios are much lower in fat than other nuts yet still dense and very filling. Make sure to watch your portion size, a handful is all you need.
- HUMMUS
Another food high in protein is hummus plus it’s rich in fibre, vitamin C, and good fats. These fats, alongside the carbs/protein in hummus, will keep you nice and full.
- SOUP
Soups are great for giving you that feeling of fullness without piling on the weight. To maximise satiety choose a broth-based soup that’s packed full of lean protein and fibre rich veggies. Also, make sure you check out these nutrient-dense soup recipes I shared a while ago!
WHITE BEAN & WINTER SQUASH SOUP WITH KALE
MINESTRONE SOhttps://www.b-fit.uk.com/blog/minestrone-soup/UP
- PEA PROTEIN
A quality PEA PROTEIN is perfect for anyone following a weight loss diet. It’s great for stabilising blood sugar levels and cravings. It’s also a fast and effective way of keeping you fuller for longer.
- EGGS
Studies have shown that eggs are an excellent food for increasing satiety and on top of that, they’re cheap, versatile and quick to make. I always have some boiled eggs in my fridge on standby in case I get the munchies.
- APPLES
Eating an apple before a meal has been shown to reduce the amount of food you eat. This is due to it’s high fibre and water content. So an apple a day really does keeps hunger at bay!
- WATERMELON
Due to it’s high water content watermelon scores high on the satiety index. It’s also packed with vitamin C, minerals, antioxidants, tastes delicious and low on empty calories. Simply pop a slice or two in a lunchbox to enjoy as a snack as and when needed.
If you’re trying to resist unhealthy snacking, focus on these filling, nutrient-rich foods. If you can keep hunger at bay, it’s only a matter of time until the results start showing up in the mirror and in your clothes.
Love Gaynor x
