by Steve Amante
When you’re trying to get healthy, one of the main things most of us have to do is watch our weight. But it’s hard to lose weight in a world full of high-calorie, cheap convenience foods. If you often find yourself overindulging in food, try these creative appetite control strategies.
Eat before you get hungry. This appetite control strategy may seem counter-intuitive. But if you wait to eat until you’re ravenous, you’re more likely to overindulge in an enormous portion of food.
Snack on low-calorie, healthy foods like fruit or a handful of almonds throughout the day, and you won’t experience as many cravings and temptations to over-indulge in junk food. Remember to keep some low-calorie snacks in your office or car.
Eat slowly. It takes between 10 and 30 minutes for your stomach to signal to your brain that you’re full. In the meantime, you might still be snacking away! Try to slow down and take your time to truly enjoy your meals. You’ll feel more emotionally satisfied, and you will consume fewer calories before you finally get the “full” signal from your stomach.
Fill up before you leave home. Stock your kitchen with only healthy foods, and don’t leave home hungry. Otherwise you can be tempted to cruise through the nearest drive-through or hit up a convenience store for junk.
Don’t drink your calories. We tend not to notice the calories we consume in drinks, because liquids are less filling than solid foods. The result is that many of us drink hundreds of calories per day.
Aim to drink three-quarters of a gallon of water per day, flavored with cucumbers, lemon, or fruit if you must. Also, drink a full glass of water about 20 minutes before meals, and you will be less likely to overeat.
Add vinegar or cinnamon to meals. Aside from boosting flavor, these ingredients help you to metabolize your food more slowly. This will keep you feeling full longer, so you’re less likely to snack between meals.
Steve Amante is the owner of Amante & Associates Insurance Solutions, Inc. He can be reached at 951-676-8800 – www.amanteandassociates.com
