How to Stop Feeling Hungry While Dieting
Persistent hunger pangs are enough to make even the strongest dieter want to quit – that hollow, empty, growling feeling in the pit of your stomach is not only distracting but annoying!
You’ll be glad to know that there are many good ways to stop feeling hungry while dieting, and we’ve rustled up five great ones to share with you today:
#1 – Eat more protein.
The lean protein in chicken, turkey, fish, nuts and seeds, beans, and eggs is incredibly satisfying because it takes a long time to digest, unlike carbohydrates. That means you could eat the same serving size of carbohydrates and protein at different times, and be hungry again in much less time after eating the carbohydrates. Try to include a serving of protein with every meal and snack, and you’ll notice immediately how much your hunger is reduced.
#2 – Drink more water.
Drinking water consistently throughout the day helps keep your stomach feeling fuller, so you’ll be less likely to feel hungry. Be sure to drink a full glass of water midway between meals, perhaps along with a small snack. That should be enough to hold you over until your next meal.
#3 – Drink herbal teas.
Herbal teas can provide the same effect as drinking water, except the warmth and added flavor seems to help even more. Why “herbal” teas instead of regular teas? Because most regular teas contain caffeine and consumption should be kept to a minimum to avoid negative side effects. If caffeine doesn’t bother you, however, feel free to enjoy caffeinated teas too.
#4 – Eat more fiber.
Fiber in the form of fruit, vegetables and whole grains can also help you feel satisfied for longer, and it can also help you feel fuller immediately after each meal. Make sure your daily diet includes several servings of fresh vegetables, fruit, and whole grains and you’ll definitely feel less hungry.
#5 – Omit sugar.
Last but not least, omit refined white sugar and high fructose corn syrup from your diet whenever possible. They cause your blood sugar to rise sharply then fall dramatically, which instantly creates a feeling of hunger and cravings for more sugar. If you did nothing else but omit refined sugar products from your diet, you would notice a big difference in how often you feel hungry.