Hunger comes from two sources: a physical need for food and psychologically-based cravings.¹ And, of course, it’s possible to have both at the same time.

Scientifically Proven Ways to Cut Mental Hunger Pangs

Since the sensation of hunger is registered and interpreted by your mind, let’s look here first.

Stress

Anything that lowers your stress level helps you avoid feeling hungry until your body is really in physical need of food.² This is both mental and hormonal. Stress causes the release of cortisol, which can raise your blood sugar and increase appetite. It is also important to separate “stress eating” – munching when you are angry, sad or frustrated—from actual hunger for food (this is also known as mindful eating).³

Sleep

Sleeping less than seven to eight hours at night can lead to a higher body mass index (BMI).⁴ Disrupted sleep can also lead to cortisol (the same hormone your body releases during stress) release, which can cause weight gain. Your body does an incredible amount of repair work and hormone balancing while sleeping, so good sleep hygiene is important.⁵ Lower your activity as bedtime approaches, sleep in a cool dark room, avoid alcohol and get at least seven hours of sleep per night.

Power of Suggestion

Eating cues can be internal or external, and noticing the difference can help you reach your goals. Internal cues to eat are usually based on feelings such as hunger or stress.² But also notice your external cues. For example, when I drive home from my office, my mind starts to plan the snack I will eat when I walk in, even if I am not hungry! Smells and sights—such as seeing people eating or even billboard ads—can stimulate the sensation of hunger.⁶ Before you eat, ask yourself whether you’re genuinely hungry or just being prompted by one of these sources.

Scientifically Sound Strategies to Curb Physical Hunger

In addition to these mental approaches to curbing hunger, there are physical strategies to help control your appetite.

Water

The human body often confuses thirst with hunger. When you feel hungry, drink a glass of water first, and then gauge how you feel a few minutes later. Drinking water not only fills your stomach, reducing the release of the hunger hormone ghrelin, it is essential for optimal cell function to burn the fuel you are carrying in addition to the food you eat.⁷ Experts don’t agree on the perfect amount of water for every individual since the person’s weight, level of activity and medical issues would need to be considered.

Eating on a Schedule

Your metabolism and liver function best when you eat at regular intervals throughout the day. Some strategies for weight and blood sugar management recommend eating regularly throughout the day, including meals and snacks.⁸ As a professional, I recommend that most people not go longer than 4 hours between meals. This trains the brain to expect food on a schedule and helps control feeling overly hungry in anticipation.⁹

Conversely, some people benefit from intermittent fasting, not eating anywhere from 12 to 18 hours per day, and taking in all their calories in the remaining hours. This method helps some feel less hunger overall.¹⁰

Fiber

In addition to drinking water and eating on a schedule, certain types of foods may help curb your appetite. Fiber, protein, healthy fats and various other foods influence how hungry we feel.

Fiber supplements can be helpful. Also, eating fiber-rich foods help you get plenty of fiber in your diet. Among many others, these include:¹¹

• whole (not blended) fruits and vegetables
• beans
• some whole grains

Fiber stays in your digestive tract longer and helps you feel full (and therefore not hungry) longer.¹²

Protein and Healthy Fats

Getting enough protein also helps curb hunger. Protein-rich breakfasts in particular are shown to help reduce hunger.¹³ Healthy fats are also very helpful for good appetite control throughout the day. While the overconsumption of unhealthy fats contributes to weight gain, eating healthy fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats such as in fish, olive, oil, seeds and eggs) can help you feel full longer and possibly boost your metabolism.¹⁴

Try one of more of these science-backed suggestions to help you curb your appetite and achieve success with your weight and your health.

Rx Only. For the safe and proper use of Plenity or more information, talk to a healthcare professional, read the Patient Instructions for Use, or call 1-844-PLENITY.

Dr. Liz Lyster, OB/GYN