How To Stop Hunger To Lose Weight

How to Stop Hunger to Lose Weight

Jul 22, 2010 | By Jason Brick

Losing weight is a simple process. If you burn more calories than you take in, you'll lose weight. If you don't, you won't. It's applied physics. As simple as it is in theory, applying that theory in real life can be difficult. Food cravings and simple hunger can push even people with strong will and good intentions to cheat on their diets, thus stalling or ending their weight loss plans. Fortunately, you can utilize several natural practices to help decrease your hunger while dieting and shed those pounds safely and quickly.

Step 1

Shift your meal schedule from three medium to large meals a day to three small meals plus three snacks, suggests personal trainer Bill Phillips. Although this doesn't change how much you eat, it adjusts your stomach to a smaller load and keeps your blood sugar levels regular over the course of the day.

Step 2

TheDietChannel.com recommends reducing sugar and starch while adding protein, fat and fiber. Sugar and starch cause fluctuations in your blood sugar level, which can trigger a hunger response or food craving. Protein, fat and fiber do the exact opposite by releasing sugar over time.

Step 3

Drink plenty of water, including a large glass with each meal. According to CNN diet and fitness correspondent Dr. Melina Jampolis, the volume of water will help you feel full. A glass of water as your first response to hunger can also help you stave hunger off until your next scheduled meal or snack time.

Step 4

Take a multivitamin. Dr. Mehmet Oz, co-author of "You: The Owner's manual," notes that a multivitamin a day fills in any holes that may have been left unfilled by your current diet. Food cravings are often the result of a nutrient deficiency.