It's happened to all of us: 2 p.m. hits and suddenly, you're really craving a snack, preferably something sweet. But hitting the vending machine or going for seconds isn't necessarily the best way to curb your hunger pangs. Instead, there are some simple tricks you can follow to keep yourself feeling full and satisfied longer.
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Below, check out six ways to stop feeling hungry all the time:
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Avoid articial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners can actually spur your sweet tooth and cause you to crave more sweets, which can also make youfeel hungry even if you're not.
Drink lots of water
There's a good chance that you're not drinking enough water throughout the day as most of us aren't. And since your body can confuse being thirsty with feeling hungry, you might feel the need to continue eating even you actually need a nice big glass of water. So make sure to stay hydrated.
Take a nap
It might seem like a random suggestion, but when you're tired, your body naturally craves fuel and most people turn to food for energy. In fact, research has shown have that people who are sleep deprived weigh more. Try to avoid this by getting enough hours of sleep a night or if you don't, sneaking in a nap.
Add half an avocado to your meal
Avocados are not only delicious and nutritious, they are also jam-packed with the good kind of fats that can help keep feeling full and satisfied. You can also try slices of apple with almond butter, if you're not a fan of avocados.
Don't multitask while you eat
I can't tell you how many meals I've eaten at my desk while responding to e-mails and doing 100 other things. But multitasking usually means you don't really focus and taste your food, which could in turn cause your body to send hungry signals even though you've eaten something.
Limit sugar intake
If you indulge in too many sugary treats or drinks throughout the day, your blood sugar will soar and then eventually crash, making you feel unsatisifed all over again. Try to curb hunger pangs by limiting your sugar intake and sticking to foods that contain lots of protein.
