Greens with Dinner!

Fighting the urge to snack throughout the day can be a battle for many; it is one issue I’ve dealt with since I was in my teens. I try to eat a wholesome meal that consists of lean protein and a complex carbohydrate at least every 2-3 hours to feel full and keep my metabolism going. From my experience, starting a new diet can be exciting, but also comes with the sensation of being hungry all the time. With that said, I’ve been on a mission of finding ways to help stop hunger and keep my mind off of snacking. Let’s take a look at my top 5 favorite ways to fight hunger that are still healthy for you.

1. Coconut Oil – Healthy fats are my ultimate go-to way to keep me feeling full and satisfied. Not to mention, coconut oil has also helped eliminated my awful sugar cravings. Your body uses the medium chain triglycerides found in coconut oil immediately for energy, which may also help with a morning or mid-day boost. Any recipe that calls butter or oil can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio. Try adding a tablespoon to your oatmeal or my energizing coffee protein shake.
2. Flavored Water – I personally love to make my own flavored waters. You can get creative by adding lemons and cucumbers, oranges, or berries into a gallon of water to drink. I’ve found infusing water over night helps increase the flavor. You can also do this with plain carbonated water. Having a subtle sweet flavor has also helped satisfy my cravings, while enticing me to drink at least a gallon of water per day.
3. Vegetables – We have all been told to eat our greens, but I can’t stress how much this has helped me stop snacking. Vegetables such as broccoli, artichokes and Brussels sprouts are classified as fiber-packed carbohydrates. Instead of turning to a bag of chips, I now make a plate of vegetables that consist of broccoli, carrots, and cucumbers. I also try to make a salad with at least two of my meals to help get in those leafy greens. Try our light lemon chicken salad for lunch or dinner.
4. Salty Foods – Yes, sodium will make you bloat, but in moderation salty foods, such as pickles and banana peppers, have helped satisfy my hunger. Now I think twice about reaching for that pint of ice cream in the freezer and will have a pickle instead.
5. Popcorn – A smaller amount of pre-measured kernels can actually appear larger when popped, giving a volume effect. This way, you’ll trick you mind into thinking you’re eating a lot, when in reality you’re not. Popcorn can be good for a mid-day snack for those who need a quick something. Coconut oil is also great to drizzle on top, instead of butter. Try our at-home recipe for fresh popped popcorn.

Getting accustom to dieting can be a challenge and it’s something that definitely took me some time to adjust to in the beginning of the year. Consistency is key and taking some of these tips and tricks may help curve those pesky hunger cravings. Check out our list of super foods and my favorite foods to eat while dieting for more information on healthy eating and ways to incorporate coconut oil into your diet.

-Kayla