10 Secret Hunger-Fighting Foods to Help Curb Cravings
Updated: Dec. 15, 2023
Want to keep going all day long without stopping to snack? Try adding some of these healthy ingredients to your diet.
Lentils
Do you cook with lentils? These superfoods are massively underrated but it could be time to start using this high protein food in your cooking. Research has found that they can keep you up to 31% fuller when you have these in your meal compared to other options. That could make a huge difference to your day!
See for yourself with our recipe for Sweet Potato Lentil Stew—or one of our best-loved lentil recipes.
Eggs
Protein-packed eggs are the perfect example of a food that will keep you going and going. One study suggested that eating them for breakfast could aid weight loss. So, how do you like your eggs in the morning (or in the afternoon or evening)?
Yogurt
Feeling that mid-afternoon slump? Why not reach for a healthy yogurt to see you through? Research has found that eating this treat is more effective in staving off hunger than chocolate-based snacks. That’s all the more reason to enjoy it guilt-free! Add some fruit to make it even tastier.
Learn how to make it from scratch with tips from our Test Kitchen.
Ginger
It’s a powerful ingredient but did you know that it could bust your hunger? A study that looked at overweight men found that adding ginger powder to hot water at breakfast achieved some amazing results. Participants felt less hungry than usual after the meal, which led to them being less likely to snack.
Whole grains
There’s a whole lot to be said for eating natural foods that haven’t been processed. That’s where this next hunger-fighting food comes into play. Studies have found that chomping on whole grains regularly could be the answer to warding off hunger for long periods. Be sure to include them in your diet regularly! Learn how to use them in these hearty whole-grain recipes.
Walnuts
When it comes to foods that keep you feeling full, you can’t go far wrong with walnuts. Not only is this snack absolutely packed with nutrients but it also activates an area in the brain that helps you control your hunger, according to research. They are is a surefire way to keep cravings at bay.
Olive oil
We already know that there are a great many health benefits associated with olive oil. That’s a given. However, did you also know that this stuff can keep you feeling full? Scientific research suggests that these natural oils help people to regulate the feeling of being satisfied for longer. Add some to your next dish!
Chicken breast
Looking for a way to boost your protein intake? Chicken breasts could be it! Make sure that you grill this meat rather than frying it so that it stays as healthy as possible. Research from the University of Copenhagen suggests that eating more protein and less starch could be the answer to staying full and weight loss.
Low-fat milk
Not sure what to drink with your meals? Here’s a curveball that you might not expect. The same research from the University of Copenhagen suggested that low-fat milk could be the answer. The drink could help to curb your hunger. If you can’t bear to drink it on its own, why not pour it over some cereal?
Spinach
There’s never any harm eating more leafy greens—they’re fantastic for you. Spinach could be even better than you think. Scientists have found that the extract known as thylakoids, which is found within spinach, could help reduce cravings and feelings of hunger. Add this piece of salad to your meals to keep you fuller.
Originally Published: June 21, 2018
