Originally published December 3 2009
Lose Weight with Appetite Suppressing Foods
by Sunny Griffis
(NaturalNews) The hunger associated with losing weight can seem daunting, and may even discourage many people from maintaining their weight loss program. There are many foods, however, that can suppress appetite. This makes dieting much easier, and increases the probability of weight loss success.
There are many weight loss products on the market, but there are also many natural foods that can avert hunger. Choose foods that are filling, yet contain few calories. In addition, take care to try new food combinations. Unfortunately, many people on a calorie deficit suffer from diet boredom because they fail to incorporate variety into their meal plan.
Try the following appetite suppressing foods to help boost weight loss:
Celery
According to research conducted by the Mayo Clinic, choosing foods with a low energy density can help control hunger. The energy density of a particular food refers to the number of calories contained within a given volume. So, for example, a small piece of candy may contain a large amount of calories. It is said to have a high energy density.
Celery, conversely, contains few calories for a large amount, so it has a low energy density. In fact, an entire cup of celery only provides 16 calories. These are the kinds of foods to include to suppress hunger. In addition, the subtle saltiness from the sodium content, as well as the crunchiness of celery, can provide satisfaction while dieting.
Lemon Psyllium Cocktail
Psyllium is a soluble fiber that originates from the Plantago ovata plant. Fiber adds bulk to the diet and provides a sense of fullness. Including more fiber can facilitate weight loss.
An easy way to utilize psyllium is to make a cocktail. Add a serving of psyllium powder, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and a couple of drops of stevia to a large glass of cold water. Mix thoroughly and drink immediately.
Lentils
Lentils have a long list of outstanding qualities that can enhance weight loss and general health. They have a large amount of fiber, which helps dieters with satiety. Lentils boast 8 grams of fiber per serving. Much of this fiber is soluble and aids in the stabilization of blood sugar. This helps prevent spikes in blood sugar, as well as subsequent fat accumulation.
The nutritional content of lentils is remarkable. In addition to the fiber, they also have a large of amount of protein, folic acid, iron, and magnesium. Protein can suppress hunger by its slower rate of travel through the digestive system. Nine grams of healthy proteins are in every half cup serving of lentils.
Lentils come in a variety of colors, including brown, green, and red. They require no presoaking and are delicious and filling in soups, spreads, and dips.
Zucchini
Zucchini is another useful low density food that can help suppress hunger. A cup of zucchini contains a mere 20 calories. One interesting way to use zucchini is to prepare it as a pasta substitute. It can be processed through a spiral slicer to resemble thin spaghetti noodles. Add low calorie tomato sauce or salad dressing for flavor. This quick meal also provides protein and fiber, and is very low in cholesterol, making it a highly beneficial food that can assist healthy weight loss efforts.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/how-to-lo...
http://www.livestrong.com/article/2808-facts...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss...
http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/vegetable...
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/...
http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/natural-wei...
About the author
Sunny Griffis is an accomplished freelance writer specializing in health, nutrition, and fitness. She is also a fitness coach who loves helping her clients reach their potential. Sunny loves to run, practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, garden, and hang out with her four children in her Carolina home.
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