Healthy Foods That Can Help You Feel Fuller Longer

Feel Fuller LongerIf you’ve ever tried dieting, you’re probably familiar with the gnawing feeling of hunger that creeps in and persists when you cut back on calories. Studies show that, after feeling deprived for a few days, most dieters resignedly resume their regular eating habits and simply give up on trying to lose weight – until next time.

With this in mind, you might be surprised to learn that it is possible to reduce your caloric intake and not be plagued by constant hunger – because you will be eating plenty of food. In fact, many experts believe that if you are mindful of your eating habits and choose your foods wisely, you may actually be able to eat more and still lose weight.

One way to achieve a healthy weight loss is to choose foods that are high in water content, fiber, or lean protein, which generally have fewer calories than their less-filling counterparts. These diet-friendly foods can also cause your stomach to stretch more quickly, signaling to your brain that you’ve had enough to eat, and empty more slowly, prolonging your feeling of fullness. Additionally, the psychological effect of seeing a large plate of food, such as a big green salad or steaming bowl of broth-based soup, can make you feel satisfied.

Here are some excellent hunger-fighting choices to include in your diet:

  • Lean meats, poultry, and fish
  • Whole grains
  • Nuts
  • Eggs
  • Legumes, including beans, peas, lentils, soybeans, and chickpeas
  • Whole fruits, such as apples and raspberries
  • Oatmeal

A good rule of thumb is to have one or more of these healthy choices at every meal, which will help you feel fuller on fewer calories. By consuming foods that are low in caloric density, you can potentially shed pounds without feeling like you’re on a restrictive diet. Also, make it a habit to sip water throughout the day. Many people mistake thirst for hunger, so drinking water may prevent you from automatically grabbing a snack that you really don’t even want.

If you have questions related to nutrition or overall wellness, please contact or visit South Tampa Immediate Care. Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located on South Howard Avenue in Tampa, FL, and no appointments are necessary.