Low Calorie Dense Foods for Hunger Busting Snacks

If you have tried to lose weight by cutting down on the amount of food you eat but end up feeling hungry with an appetite that’s not satisfied, you are not alone. However, don’t throw in the towel because there is a better solution. Technically, a food’s calorie density is determined by the number of calories to a specific weight of that food. Low calorie-dense foods are a great option as they are not packed with a lot of wasted calories and can be eaten in healthy quantities.

It easy for your appetite to cause you to eat more than is required to satisfy true hunger. With today’s larger portion sizes that can be detrimental to losing weight. When you opt for fiber-rich foods, it can fill you up with fewer calories consumed. The makeup of your menu plan can make a huge difference when managing hunger. Although you adopted a healthy diet of fresh veggies and lean protein, sometimes adding a small amount of the right carbs can prevent appetite spikes.

People who fail to keep weight off often followed an unsustainable menu plan that can even lead to gaining back more weight than they lost. Try these tips for more realistic results:

• Eat Regular Meals – People who eat at regular mealtimes tend to have healthier overall eating habits. Plus, by consuming fiber, protein, and micronutrients throughout the day, it is easier to avoid weight regain.
• Stay Well Hydrated – Drinking water not only helps you burn calories by keeping your metabolism working and quenching your thirst may eliminate unexpected feelings of hunger.
• Pick Healthy Snacks – If you feel hungry between meals, have a glass of water. If hunger persists don’t go back to your bad habits of snacking on high-calorie junk foods. Plan for high-fiber protein snacks.
• Be a Smart Shopper – Creating a grocery list before you go to the store can help you avoid reaching for something that will result in weight gain. So, avoid certain sections and stick to your shopping list.
• Stop Eating When Full – Mindfulness is your moment-to-moment awareness of your feelings, including triggers related to your surroundings and emotions. Mindful eating means avoiding distractions, so you recognize the natural signs of fullness and stop eating.

If you’ve made a commitment to shedding weight, dealing with constant hunger is not a sustainable strategy for long-term weight loss. Studies have shown it is crucial to not allow hunger to override the release of fullness hormones. While exercise is great for your health, without calorie restriction, it will not result in clinically significant weight loss. That makes the calories you eat really key in shedding pounds and keeping the weight off for a long time.

What most often makes it difficult to avoid regaining the weight you lost over a period of months is the lower rate of burning calories that your body naturally assumed. To prevent weight cycling, avoid extreme diets and rapid weight loss. There’s a saying that you can’t out exercise a bad diet. At Metabolic Research Center, we understand how food is more important to permanent weight loss than fitness. Contact MRC to learn more about your personalized plan.