The benefits of oatmeal are counteracted if you top it with brown sugar or maple syrup, which can cause a blood sugar spike followed by a drop in blood sugar. This can make you hungry long before lunchtime.
When it comes to protein, don’t go totally fat-free. Eating healthy fats like olive oil and avocados will keep you full longer than eating fat-free meals.
However, it is very important, if you take medication, to check if it interacts with grapefruit, as it is known to interact adversely with 85 different drugs, 45 of which are very serious. [2] X Research source Be extremely cautious when considering grapefruit. Do not consume grapefruit if you take drugs for erectile dysfunction, estrogens, statins for high cholesterol, calcium channel blockers, many blood thinners, benzodiazepines, thyroid hormone replacement, certain chemotherapies and immunomodulators, anti-fungal antibiotics and certain other antibiotics, beta-blockers, opiates, and anything else that might be metabolized by the liver and P450 cytochrome family. [3] X Research source Additionally, pregnancy, breastfeeding or having breast cancer also contraindicate consumption of grapefruit. [4] X Research source Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to scientifically validate the efficacy of grapefruit supplementation, so any supposition is purely anecdotal. [5] X Research source If it works for you, and it’s safe, then go for it and see if it helps.
Apples are particularly great for appetite suppression, so go ahead and have one per day. Leafy greens are satisfying and packed with nutrients. Choose spinach, collards, mustard greens, kale, or chard over lighter greens like iceberg lettuce. Potatoes have a chemical component that counteracts ghrelin. Eat baked, boiled or lightly sauteed potatoes, but avoid french fries and potato chips.
Make sure you check the label when you buy dark chocolate. Many brands label their chocolate as “dark” when it contains much less than 70% cacao.
Cayenne is an excellent spice to add to your cooking. Sprinkle it on omelets, add it to soup, or add a bit to your avocado for a delicious kick. Unlike ketchup, most hot sauces don’t have too many calories per serving, so there’s no need to stop yourself from using as much as you want. Just check the label first to make sure there’s no added sugar. Wasabi is another great hot condiment that causes you to feel sated more quickly.
Make ginger tea. Adding a few slices of fresh ginger to boiling water and letting the steep for a few minutes before drinking makes for a delicious beverage. Ginger aids digestion and stimulates the metabolism. Make cucumber or lemon water. Adding a flavor to your water will make it more interesting to drink and stimulate your sense of taste, which helps you stay full longer. Squeeze a lemon or float some cucumber slices in your water glass.
You don’t want to go brushing your teeth 5 times a day, though. Brushing too much can wear away the enamel on your teeth. Brush no more than 2 or 3 times a day. Chewing minty sugarless gum might be another good way to trick yourself into feeling full for awhile.