7 Ways to Trick Your Appetite

Sometimes it’s not what you eat, but how much you eat. Portion control is a key ingredient to losing weight and staying trim. But as we know, this is easier said than done. You’re a different person when you’re hungry. Driven by your primal instincts, it’s difficult to rein in your appetite and refuse that second helping of delicious food. Difficult, but not impossible.

Here are 7 ways to “trick” your body into believing you’re full.

 

Drink water: If your body were a car, water would be the fuel. Without enough, your body will break down and ultimately become inoperable. You’re supposed to drink between 2 and 3 liters of water per day. If you actually drinking this much, the water should fill the void in your stomach and subdue your appetite.

Eat slowly: Your body needs time to process the food it’s digesting. The more slowly you eat, the less food you’ll have consumed when your body recognizes that it’s full. Speed eating leads to over-indulging and potential weight-gain.

Avoid salt: Some people have trouble discerning the difference between hunger and thirst. Sodium-rich foods make you parched, but since your body may confuse your thirst for hunger, it could result in eating more food than you actually need.

Chew Gum: While too much sugarless gum can upset your stomach, it’s a great way to keep your jaws engaged and subsequently reduce your appetite.

Small Meals: Instead of eating three meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) every day, eat five or six smaller. This will keep your energy and metabolism high. Make sure to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein in your diet.

Brush teeth: Some dieters brush their teeth several times a day. The minty fresh taste in their mouths is so enjoyable that they don’t want to ruin it by eating.

Eat Breakfast: If you’re going to eat a big meal, make it breakfast. Unlike dinner, you have an entire day to burn calories after breakfast, meaning much of the food you eat will be converted as energy. Plus, a big breakfast will set the tone for the day and make a big lunch and dinner less desirable.