Natural Appetite Suppressing Foods

Sweet Potatoes

Sweets are healthier alternatives to starchy white potatoes. Why? Because they are a high source of vitamin C and vitamin A—minus the soaring carbohydrates and empty calories.

Plus they contain a particular type of starch that resists digestive enzymes so they remain in your stomach, making you feel satiated for longer.

Oats

Swap that morning bagel and cream cheese with a bowl of slow-digesting oats and you’ll feel full well into the lunch hour.  That’s right, oats contain a hunger-satiating hormone, called ghrelin, and they’re also extremely low on the glycemic index.

Just stick to plain oats and add your own natural sugars from honey, apple butter, vanilla, cinnamon, agave syrup, or a touch of real maple syrup.

Water

Studies show that oftentimes when you get hunger pangs, your body is trying to tell you that you’re just thirsty. So before you slam a box of cookies; try taming your appetite with a cold glass of water to see if it’s just dehydration. Research shows that those who drink a glass or two of water before a meal—eat less!

Almonds

A handful of almonds to nosh on when you’re feeling nibblie can be enough to squelch those temptations for something crunchy between meals. Almonds are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin E, and magnesium, but keep your servings to a handful for a healthy snack!

Ginger

Ginger root has been used for decades, throughout many cultures for its digestive prowess. Sliced and added to a smoothie, sprinkled on a stir fry, or steeped in tea, ginger actually stimulates the body and eases the digestive process, in turn, making your tummy feel comfortable and content.

Green Tea

My nutritionist recommended a cup of green tea mid day to curb my 2:30 pm snack attack at work! And you know what? It worked like a charm because green tea contains catechins, which help inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells, keeping blood sugar and insulin balanced and regular so you don’t experience a blood sugar crash that only a chocolate bar can satisfy.

Cayenne Pepper

Add a little spice to your day with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on your meals. A mere half teaspoon will boost your metabolism and keep you burning calories even when you’re not moving. In fact, studies show that adding a half teaspoon of the spice to 2 meals each day, for one month will result in 3 to 4 pounds of weight shed.

Cinnamon

I use cinnamon on everything—in my coffee, on my oatmeal, and on fruit and yogurt. Sure, the no calorie spice tastes great, but it also helps lower your blood sugar levels, thus curbing your appetite!

Coffee

Have you ever noticed that after a cup of coffee, you’re not as famished? One to 2-cups a day (a moderate amount) will infuse you with vital antioxidants (from the coffee beans), which works to boost your metabolism so you’re more alert and active, and also curbs the appetite.

Just resist adding extra fat and calories with sugar and cream. Drink it black or use low fat coffee whiteners and sweeteners (like Stevia or agave syrup).

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Julie Ching, MS, RDN, CDE

Julie Ching is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator in Los Angeles. She decided to become a Dietitian after traveling through Europe, South America, and Asia and discovered a passion for food. She now works with people of all ages and varying disease states to improve their health. She is passionate about teaching people about nutrition so they can live their best life while still considering their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.