How to Tame a Raging Appetite
Dieting and getting fit are tough enough already, but nothing is more challenging than controlling a raging appetite.
We all have cravings, and sometimes those cravings can really get in the way of reaching our weight loss and fitness goals.
So what can you do about it?
Over the years, I’ve offered up a lot of tips for eating right, dieting, and even snacking healthy, but let’s look at some tips for managing those cravings and controlling that raging appetite!
Tips for Controlling a Raging Appetite
1. Eat Breakfast – This one’s a big one people. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. If you don’t give your body the fuel it needs off the bat, you’re going to end up with some major cravings throughout the day. Eating breakfast also jumpstarts your metabolism, which means it will get you burning more calories as well! If you’re looking for ideas check out these articles: Instant Breakfast ideas, or Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Women and Healhy Breakfast Ideas for Men.
2. Eat a Whole Foods Diet – Whole foods, or those that have not been processed (or highly processed) can really help you get your cravings under control. Whole foods have more nutritional value, simply put. Because they’re less processed, they’re higher in vitamin content, usually have more fiber, and will keep you feeling full for longer. When it comes to carbs, make sure you go whole grain as often as possible.
Fiber is another great way to stay satisfied for longer. Check out Myogenix Pro Fiber – a great addition to your diet.
3. Get More Protein – Just like whole foods, protein keeps you feeling full for longer. Why? Because protein takes longer to digest, meaning that it stays in your stomach longer and will keep you feeling satisfied.
It also burns more calories during digestion, so you’ll get an added boost to your weight loss efforts. One of the best things you can add to your diet is a high-quality protein supplement like Gaspari Nutrition Myofusion or Optimum 100% Natural Casein.
You may want to experiment taking your protein smoothie intake up to 2 or 3 times per day and watching how it affects your cravings as well as your lean muscle development. If making a shake isn’t always convenient, try mixing in warm water and then adding a little hot water to make it like a hot chocolate (one of my favorite tricks to keep it interesting).
4. Drink More Water – You’ve probably heard this one, but it can’t be overstated. Most people simply don’t drink enough water on a daily basis, but just like food, water can help fill you up and feel more satisfied. I always recommend to my clients that they drink a glass of water before every meal, but it’s also an effective way of overcoming cravings.
One thing you’ll also notice when upping your protein intake is that you will feel more thirsty as your body will crave the water to help you process the amino acids. If water gets boring for you, try some ground fresh mint leaves and cucumber, or some green tea…
5. Drink Green Tea – Research has shown that green tea (and many other teas) are highly effective at curbing cravings. The reason green tea is particularly useful is that it also helps to increase your metabolism. This is why green tea extracts, like NOW Green Tea Extract, are so effective during a weight loss program.
6. Recognize Hunger – Research has also shown that craving sweets after a big meal really has little to do with hunger. It’s mostly due to habit. What you need to do is train your body to recognize when it’s actually hungry.
One tip I’ve come across is if the thought of a full, savory meal (like a juicy steak) doesn’t sound appetizing, you’re probably not actually hungry.
Personally, I find that if I give myself another 10 minutes, those cravings subside. And the longer you get out of the habit of eating something sweet after meals, the less you’ll want it, trust me! So much of our diet habits are just that – habits!
Have any questions or feedback about taming a raging appetite? Please leave a comment below…
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Thank you for visiting! Weight Loss and Training is a health blog which features all the best weight loss tips that I have learned over my 20 years of training. My background includes a degree in Kinesiology from the world renown Simon Fraser University, certification in nutritional sciences from UBC, and Personal Trainer Specialist certification from Can Fit Pro.