How To Suppress Appetite: Best Natural Ways In 2024

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how to suppress appetite

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how to suppress appetite
Appetite control is an essential factor in weight loss. Photo: Nghi Tran

Losing weight can be a daunting task for many individuals, especially when it comes to controlling their appetite. Appetite control is an essential factor in weight loss, as overeating can cause you to consume more calories than your body requires. Luckily, natural ways to suppress your appetite[1] can aid in weight loss efforts. These methods range from simple changes in your daily routine to incorporating certain foods and beverages into your diet. By understanding the various ways to reduce your appetite, you can develop a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle and weight loss goals.

This article will explore the best natural ways to suppress your appetite and promote weight loss. From managing food cravings to understanding hunger hormones and the role of certain foods, we’ll cover everything you need to know to reduce your appetite and achieve your weight loss goals successfully. With scientific evidence to support each method, you can feel confident in taking the steps towards a healthier, happier you.

Best Natural Ways To Suppress Appetite

  • Consume Enough Protein
  • Drink Water Before Your Meal
  • Mindful Eating
  • Eat Foods High in Fiber
  • Get Enough Sleep
  • Manage Stress
  • Avoid Processed Foods and Sugary Drinks 
  • Eat Spicy Foods

How To Suppress Appetite Naturally

how to suppress appetite
There are several ways to reduce appetite naturally. Photo: Kmpzzz/Shutterstock
  • Consume Enough Protein[2]: One of the most effective natural ways to reduce appetite is to eat foods rich in protein. High-protein foods such as eggs, chicken breast, fish, and legumes can help you feel fuller for longer. This is because protein takes longer to digest, leading to a slower release of energy and reduced hunger cravings.
  • Drink Water Before Your Meal[3]: Drinking water before a meal can help you feel fuller and consume fewer calories. It’s also important to stay hydrated throughout the day, as dehydration can sometimes be confused with hunger.
  • Mindful Eating[4]: Mindful eating involves paying attention to the food you’re eating, the taste, texture, and smell, and how your body feels while eating. This can help you recognize when you’re full and prevent overeating. Avoid distractions such as phones, TV, or reading while eating.
  • Eat Foods High in Fiber[5]: High-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help you feel fuller for longer, as they take longer to digest. They also help regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion.
  • Get Enough Sleep[6]: Lack of sleep can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can increase appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods. Getting adequate sleep can help regulate these hormones and reduce hunger cravings.
  • Manage Stress[7]: High levels of stress can also lead to overeating and cravings for unhealthy foods. Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or exercise can help reduce stress levels and improve overall health.
  • Avoid Processed Foods and Sugary Drinks[8]: Processed foods and sugary drinks are often high in calories and can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, causing hunger cravings. Avoiding or limiting these foods and drinks can help reduce appetite and promote healthy weight loss.
  • Eat Spicy Foods[9]: Spicy foods such as chili peppers contain capsaicin, which can help suppress appetite and increase metabolism. Adding spice to your meals can help you feel fuller and reduce calorie intake.

Natural Appetite Suppressants

Several natural ways to suppress your appetite[10] include understanding hunger hormones, drinking water before meals, increasing fiber intake, eating high-protein foods, adding spices to meals, eating mindfully, incorporating healthy fats, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and paying attention to external cues. By combining these methods into your daily routine, you can effectively reduce your appetite, consume fewer calories, and achieve your weight loss goals healthily and sustainably.

Appetite Suppressant Medication

Appetite-suppressant medications are drugs designed to reduce hunger and decrease food intake. These drugs work by targeting the brain’s appetite control center to reduce feelings of hunger and increase feelings of fullness. They are typically prescribed to individuals who are obese or have a high risk of obesity-related health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. 

Several types of appetite suppressant medications are available, including amphetamines, benzphetamine, diethylpropion, and phentermine. These drugs can have side effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, and nervousness. Therefore, they should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Appetite-suppressant medications are not a substitute for healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. They should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes healthy eating habits and regular exercise.

It is important to note that appetite suppressant medications are not suitable for everyone and should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals with a history of drug abuse or certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma or hyperthyroidism. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new medication or weight loss program.

Foods That Suppress Appetite

how to suppress appetite
Foods used to suppress appetite meal plan. Photo: Kleber Cordeiro/Shutterstock
  • High-fiber foods: Foods rich in fiber, such as plant foods, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans, can suppress appetite by making you feel full and reducing the urge to eat more.
  • Lean proteins: Consuming lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs can help to keep you full and reduce physical hunger.
  • Nuts: Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They can help suppress appetite by keeping you full and satisfied for longer periods.
  • Spices: Certain spices like cayenne pepper, ginger, and turmeric can help to suppress appetite by increasing metabolism and reducing food cravings.
  • Water-rich foods: Foods that are rich in water, such as fruits and vegetables, can help to suppress appetite by adding bulk to your meals, making you feel full while consuming fewer calories.
  • Soups: Consuming soups, particularly those made from vegetables, can help to suppress appetite as they are low in calories and high in fiber, making you feel full for longer.
  • Green tea: Green tea contains catechins, which can help to suppress appetite by increasing metabolism and reducing the absorption of fats.
  • Dark chocolate: Consuming small amounts of dark chocolate can help to suppress appetite by reducing cravings for sweet and salty foods.

Overall, incorporating these foods into your diet can help to naturally suppress appetite, making it easier to stick to a high-fat diet and achieve your weight loss goals.

Other Tips To Lose Weight

  • Exercise Regularly: Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine can help you lose body weight by burning calories and building muscle mass. Cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming can be especially effective for weight loss.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Not enough sleep can disrupt hormone levels that regulate appetite, leading to overeating and gain weight. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to support healthy weight loss.
  • Manage Stress: Stress can lead to overeating and weight gain, so finding ways to manage stress is essential for weight loss. This can include practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
  • Eat Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Eating a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help support weight loss by providing essential nutrients and keeping you feeling full.
  • Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: Processed foods and sugary snacks are often high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. Limiting these foods in your high-fat diet can help support healthy weight loss.
  • Keep a Food Diary: Keeping track of what you eat can help you identify areas where you may be consuming excess calories or making unhealthy food choices. Use a food diary or tracking app to monitor your food intake.
  • Seek Support: Losing weight can be challenging, so seeking support from friends, family, or a healthcare professional can be helpful for staying motivated and on track.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are numerous natural ways to suppress appetite and achieve weight loss without the need for medication. Consuming enough protein, drinking water before meals, practicing mindful eating, and suppressing appetite foods are all effective strategies. Additionally, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can support weight loss efforts. It’s important to remember that sustainable weight loss takes time and consistency, and it’s essential to make lifestyle changes rather than relying on quick fixes. By adopting healthy habits and making gradual changes, anyone can achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall health and well-being. Before making any significant dietary or lifestyle changes, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best natural appetite suppressant?

The best natural appetite suppressants are foods high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.

Can exercise help reduce appetite?

Yes, exercise can help reduce appetite by releasing hormones that suppress hunger and increase feelings of fullness.

Are there any negative side effects of appetite suppressant medication?

Yes, appetite suppressant medication can have negative side effects such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and insomnia.

Can drinking water before a meal help reduce appetite?

Yes, drinking water before a meal can help reduce appetite by making you feel full and less likely to overeat.

Is it possible to lose weight without exercise?

Yes, it is possible to lose weight without exercise by consuming fewer calories than your body burns through daily activities and basal metabolic rate.

Is there a quick fix to losing weight?

No, there is no quick fix to losing weight. Sustainable weight loss requires a combination of healthy eating habits, physical activity, and lifestyle changes.

Are there any foods that increase appetite?

Yes, there are some foods that can increase appetite, such as high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods.

How much weight can I realistically lose in a week?

The amount of weight you can lose in a week depends on various factors, such as your starting weight, calorie intake, and physical activity level. A safe and sustainable weight loss goal is 1-2 pounds per week.

+ 10 Sources

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  2. Shanmugasundaram P, Maheshwari TNU, Praveen D, Harini A. A Comprehensive Review on natural ways to Lose Weight. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2017;10(11):4030. doi:https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-360x.2017.00730.2
  3. Kohanmoo A, Faghih S, Akhlaghi M. Effect of short- and long-term protein consumption on appetite and appetite-regulating gastrointestinal hormones, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Physiology & Behavior. 2020;226:113123. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113123
  4. Jeong JN. Effect of Pre-meal Water Consumption on Energy Intake and Satiety in Non-obese Young Adults. Clinical Nutrition Research. 2018;7(4):291. doi:https://doi.org/10.7762/cnr.2018.7.4.291
  5. Shaw R, Cassidy T. Self-Compassion, Mindful Eating, Eating Attitudes and Wellbeing Among Emerging Adults. The Journal of Psychology. Published online November 11, 2021:1-15. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.2021.1992334
  6. Dhingra D, Michael M, Rajput H, Patil RT. Dietary fibre in foods: a review. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2011;49(3):255-266. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-011-0365-5
  7. Papatriantafyllou E, Efthymiou D, Zoumbaneas E, Popescu CA, Vassilopoulou E. Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. Nutrients. 2022;14(8):1549. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081549
  8. Ndambo MK, Nyondo-Mipando AL, Thakwalakwa C. Eating behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs that contribute to overweight and obesity among women in Lilongwe City, Malawi: a qualitative study. BMC Women’s Health. 2022;22(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-022-01811-0
  9. Paola Mora Vergara A, López-Espinoza A, G Martínez Moreno A, Josefina Bernal-Gómez S, Yadira Martínez Rodríguez T. Social Representations of Healthy Eating in Schoolchildren from Cartagena, Colombia. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2020;8(10):568-574. doi:https://doi.org/10.12691/jfnr-8-10-5
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