Want some ideas for keeping your appetite from getting out of control? Here are 4 things you can do to suppress those hunger pangs from taking over:
1. Get enough sleep at night.
It may be surprising to know that not getting enough sleep can actually increase your appetite. It's because when we don’t get enough sleep, our levels of ghrelin, a hormone that increases appetites, goes up (weight gain) and levels of leptin, a hormone that suppresses the appetite, goes down (so we are hungrier). So as adults, we should try for 7-8 hours of sleep nightly.
2. Eat more protein and Fiber.
Protein takes more time to digest and so will keep you full longer. Fiber helps by absorbing water, and then expanding in your stomach – literally creating bulk to make you feel fuller and have less room for more.
3. Eat in the light.
This may sound funny, but try it the next time you go out to eat. Sit in a well-lit part of the restaurant. That’s because when you’re eating in a well-lit area, you’re more likely to consume fewer calories. You are more self conscious and feel others can see what you’re eating, so you’re likely to curb your appetite accordingly.
4. Keep Temptation Away.
This is not really anything new here...but try to keep a minimum of snack choices available in your kitchen. The more you snacks you have to choose from, the greater your appetite will be.