Easy Tips to Tame Your Appetite

I am no stranger when it comes to weight loss. As of today, I've been through, not one or two, but several slim down and weight gain cycles. It is also because of this fact that I don't see losing weight as impossible. I've done it before. I know I can do it again this time and bid goodbye to the pregnancy/ post-pregnancy weight gain.

During my pregnant months, JF would always give in to my every whim of all-you-can-eat meals in Cabalen and Holy Cow!, pansit, Mang Jimmy's Lechon Kawali, Nelia's Dinuguan, cakes and ice creams. Now that a few months had passed since I gave birth to my adorable and cuddly SI, how am I supposed to reverse things around?

Mang Jimmy's: The Lechon Kawali is to-die-for.

(photo grabbed from Life is Fun)

Nelia's best-sellers: Halo-Halo, Pansit Palabok & Dinuguan
They also have a branch in Boracay.
(photo grabbed from My Malabon)

In order to achieve the goal of a fit body, you have to be armed with all the determination and self-control that you can muster. Make sure to engage yourself in an exercise that you can sustain and adapt into your lifestyle. And of course, let's not forget that you also need to control your food intake.


Take Charge of Your Appetite


For most individuals who wish to shed off the pounds, a change in the excessive eating habits is equally tough as the exercise program itself. Below are some tips to slowly take charge of your insuppressible appetite:

Eggs: Food source of protein

(photo by Suat Eman)

1. Eat protein-rich foods at breakfast.

Basic knowledge tells us that protein is important in muscle building and in tissue repair. Apart from that, protein-rich foods are "heavier" on the stomach as compared to other nutrients, thus, you would most likely go through the first half of the day without the need to eat in between meals. Breakfast consisting of bacon, tapa and eggs are the best choices for a brekky.

2. Drop the no-carb diet like a hot potato.

The No-Carb Diet is a popular weight loss diet plan. The rule to follow is simple: Anything that has carbohydrates is banned. This would simply tell you that carbohydrate-rich potatoes should be off the list. It should be taken into consideration, however, that the starches in potatoes are harder to digest. Therefore, the starches stay longer in the intestines preventing hunger pangs to take over.

3. Smell your way out of hunger.

Studies have shown that you can control your hunger pangs with the use of your sense of smell. Instead of eating the chocolate right away, why not try smelling it first? Hold your left nostril closed and sniff away with the right. This way, your brain will send signals that you've already eaten and you're not hungry anymore.

Cardio workout to the max

(photo by photostock)

4. Step-up the cardio workout.

While cardio workouts are sure to burn the calories, many of us are not aware that we don't usual feel hungry after a strenuous aerobics class. The rationale behind this: Engaging in such activity enables the increase of an appetite-suppressing hormone in the body.

5. Chew your gum.

Some studies reveal that chewing gum can keep hunger pangs at bay. One hour of chewing gum right after breakfast can lead to less caloric consumption during lunch time. Such activity also triggers the nerves in the jaw area to send signals to the brain that you are already full. 

Losing weight does not only make you look good and help elevate your self-confidence but it also greatly improves your over-all health. There are a slew of ailments associated with being overweight. Right now, I can only hope I'll have enough drive to move forward soon. I know that I'll be working on this endeavor as soon as I mustered enough determination and self-control. Wish me luck, guys.