decreasing appetite

[bonniekins]

Are there natural ways to decrease my appetite? I don't want to try a dietary supplement yet and I definitely don't want to take prescription medication. Does anyone have any tricks they use to curb appetite and reduce hunger pangs?

[Tiff]

I would recommend that you eat more frequently throughout the day, like several small meals instead of 3 big ones. Try not to give yourself the chance to get really hungry because you'll probably eat more than you need to. Also, stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day. A lot of the times when you feel hungry, you're actually thirsty, so always try to drink water first if you start feeling hungry and you've eaten recently.

[lia]

In addition to what TIff said, you should work on getting proper rest. A good night's sleep can really help to regulate your appetite. Also, stay away from sugars and sweetners, both can stimulate your appetite and make you want to eat more than you actually need to.

[jenny25]

Drink more water. When you feel hunger, drink a glass of water and this might help with your appetite, especially if you've eaten recently or will be eating soon. That said, I agree that getting enough sleep and eating more (but smaller meals) throughout the day is better than three big ones, especially if hunger is a real issue for you. Also, add more fiber and protein to your meals. This will help you to feel satiated for longer.

[antoniojones1968]

Cut out the sugars and lower your carb intake. Don't skip meals, fill up on fiber and protein, drink water and get sleep. All this will help you control you appetite. That said, don't forget that you're also going to have willpower. There will be times when you will want to eat when you know you shouldn't and you don't need to. At these times, do something to get your mind off food. If not, slowly nurse a glass of water (you can flavor it by adding some cucumbers or lemon slices to give it a fresher taste, too.

[bonniekins]

Thanks guys these are some great ideas. That said, antoniojones1968 , does the water thing really work? I've always been skeptical about that and I haven't tried it only because I don't want to feel water-logged or sloshy before I eat.

[legendarytroy]

Thanks guys these are some great ideas. That said, antoniojones1968 , does the water thing really work? I've always been skeptical about that and I haven't tried it only because I don't want to feel water-logged or sloshy before I eat.

It does work. The main reason is there's a good chance that you likely don't get enough water in your diet so you may be thristy more than you're actually hungry most of the time. That being said, when it comes to drinking water before meals, drink about 16ounces (at a gradual pace) about 15 - 30 minutes before you eat, and you should feel already a little full, so this should help you eat first. Who knows, maybe this won't work for you, but there is no harm in trying, right?

[treehuggertodd]

I also agree that it works. You will find that if you naturally start to add more water to your diet throughout the day, you will feel less hungry. It is true that a lot of them when you might feel hungry, especially when you know you really shouldn't, you're actually thirsty. Staying hydrated is important. It also helps with digetsion .