It’s possible to get your fill without filling up.
I never quite understood what “empty calories” meant as a kid. Food is food, is it not? Well, no, it’s not. Remember, your body breaks down food into simple parts for digestion. Certain foods, even nutritious ones, can be broken down very quickly, which means you’re still hungry after eating them. If you’re looking to lose weight, the trick isn’t to eat less, it’s to eat foods that make you feel fuller.
Certain foods, due to the way your body processes them, can fill your gut more efficiently, making your body crave less. Of course, if just filling the void was all that mattered, you could just eat a loaf of bread and you’d probably be good for the day, but obviously, that won’t do anything for you nutrition-wise. You want food that’ll get you your vital nutrients while properly filling you up.
So, what are some good satiating foods? Raw vegetables are a good start. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and more are high in natural fiber, and when going for satiation, fiber is the name of the game. Celery in particular is an excellent choice, as it has both fiber and water content, and water on its own is a great filler (plus, y’know, you can never have enough clean water in your diet).
Speaking of food with high water content, some watermelon makes an excellent diet treat. Watermelon’s got fiber and water for days, as well as antioxidants and electrolytes for keeping veins pumping at optimum efficiency. Speaking of sweet things, some studies have shown that the smell of peppermint can help to curb cravings. It makes sense; mint is a palette cleanser, so the smell of it helps to take food off your mind.
Mix some of these hearty foods in with other foods to get a compact burst of nutrients that’ll leave you appropriately satiated without packing your stomach.
