Lose Weight Naturally: 20 Simple Tricks to Tame Your Appetite

A smiling woman in a green shirt holds a bowl of salad and a fork, with a clock and a yellow flower in a vase in the background.
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If you want to lose weight, you know it can be hard when you feel hungry all the time. You’re not the only one who feels this way. Many adults struggle with managing their weight, and controlling hunger is very important.

The good news is that there are natural ways to help you feel full and satisfied, making it easier to reach your weight loss goals.

When you’re trying to lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories than you burn. This can be hard when you’re always hungry. That’s why controlling your appetite is important.

Many adults try to lose weight. In fact, about 42% of adults have tried it at some point. This shows that managing weight is a big issue for many people.

By controlling your hunger, you can eat less without feeling unhappy, avoid eating too much, and stay motivated to keep working on your weight loss plan.

In this article, we’ll share 20 simple, natural methods to help you control your appetite. These strategies are backed by science and can make a real difference in your weight loss efforts.

Let’s get started with some practical ways to keep your appetite in check and support your weight loss goals.

Drink Water Before Meals

A person with long brown hair sips water from a clear glass while wearing a white shirt.

Here’s a simple trick that can make a big difference: drink a large glass of water right before you eat. This easy habit helps fill up your stomach, leaving less room for food. It’s a natural way to reduce the amount you eat without feeling deprived. 

Plus, sometimes our bodies confuse thirst with hunger, so staying hydrated can help prevent unnecessary snacking. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water about 15-30 minutes before each meal. 

You might be surprised at how much it helps control your portions and reduce overall calorie intake.

Slow Down Your Eating

A woman with long hair is sitting at an outdoor restaurant table, enjoying a meal. She is holding a fork and appears to be savoring a bite of food with her eyes closed.

Eating too quickly often leads to overeating because your brain doesn’t have time to register that you’re full. Make a conscious effort to slow down during meals. Take smaller bites and chew your food thoroughly. 

Put your fork down between bites to naturally slow your pace. Taking small sips of water while you eat can also help you slow down and feel more satisfied. 

Try to make your meals last at least 20 minutes, which is about how long it takes for your brain to receive fullness signals. Eating slowly not only helps control your appetite but also improves digestion and allows you to enjoy your food more.

Get Moving Before Meals

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Try taking a quick walk or doing some easy exercises before you eat. This might seem strange, but moving around can help you feel less hungry, especially before meals.

Exercise changes the hormones that tell you when you’re hungry or full, so you might feel less hungry. Even a short 10-15 minute walk or some simple exercises can help.

You’ll also burn more calories and get healthier at the same time. Just don’t forget to drink water if you exercise before eating.

Choose Dark Chocolate

A partially unwrapped bar of dark chocolate with several broken pieces and chocolate shavings.

When you’re craving something sweet, reach for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate or other sugary treats. Dark chocolate is more satisfying and might help suppress your appetite better than other sweets. 

The key is to choose a dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, aim for at least 70% cocoa. The intense flavor can help satisfy your sweet tooth with just a small amount. Plus, dark chocolate contains beneficial antioxidants.

Remember to enjoy it in moderation, as it still contains calories. A small square or two is usually enough to curb cravings.

Watch Your Portions

Person holding a bowl of mixed vegetables, grains, and avocado, including lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, chickpeas, and mushrooms, garnished with sesame seeds.
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Even healthy foods can lead to weight gain if you eat too much. Learning to control your portions is key to managing your appetite and weight. Use measuring cups or your hand as a guide to understand proper portion sizes. 

A serving of meat should be about the size of your palm, while a serving of carbs should be about the size of your fist. Pay attention to serving sizes on food labels too. It’s easy to eat more than one serving without realizing it.

Using smaller plates, as mentioned earlier, can also help with portion control. Remember, you can always go back for seconds if you’re truly still hungry, but give your body time to register fullness first.

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Get Enough Sleep

sleep woman in bed

Sleep is very important for controlling how hungry you feel. If you don’t sleep enough, your body makes more of a hormone that makes you feel hungry. This can make you feel hungry all day, even after eating a lot. Try to sleep 7-9 hours each night to help control your hunger.

Create a calming bedtime routine and go to bed at the same time every night. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Don’t use screens before bed, as this can help you sleep better. When you get enough rest, it’s easier to choose healthy foods and avoid unhealthy cravings.

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Practice Mindful Eating

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Mindful eating is all about being present and paying full attention to your food while you’re eating. This practice can help you eat less without feeling deprived. 

To eat mindfully, slow down and savor each bite. Really taste your food and appreciate its flavors and textures. Put your fork down between bites and chew thoroughly. 

Pay attention to how your body feels as you eat, and stop when you feel satisfied, not overly full. Avoid distractions like TV or your phone while eating. 

This approach helps you enjoy your food more and be more in tune with your body’s hunger and fullness signals.

Keep Stress in Check

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Stress can really mess up your appetite. When people feel overwhelmed, they often eat for comfort. To stop eating because of stress, find good ways to calm down. 

Try sitting quietly for a few minutes each day. Taking deep breaths can quickly calm your mind and body. Yoga is good because it combines movement with being mindful, which helps with stress.

Regular exercise, being outside, and talking to friends can also help you feel better. When you’re less stressed, you’re less likely to eat for comfort.

Go Green (Tea)

Close-up of tea being poured from a blue teapot into a brown cup, with a blurred candle in the background.

Green tea is a powerhouse when it comes to health benefits, including potential appetite control. It’s packed with compounds called catechins and caffeine, which might help curb your hunger. Plus, it’s calorie-free and offers other health perks. 

Try sipping a cup of green tea before meals or throughout the day. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, opt for decaf green tea, which still contains beneficial compounds. 

You can enjoy it hot or iced, and experiment with different varieties to find your favorite. Remember, the key is to drink it plain, without adding sugar or cream.

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Spice Things Up

A square bowl of tomato sauce is surrounded by various fresh vegetables, including sliced tomatoes, whole and sliced bell peppers, herbs, garlic cloves, and peppercorns, arranged on a gray textured surface.

Adding some heat to your meals might help you eat less. Spicy foods contain a compound called capsaicin, which can suppress appetite. Try adding chili peppers, hot sauce, or spicy seasonings to your dishes. 

Start with small amounts and gradually increase the heat level to suit your taste. Spicy foods can also boost your metabolism slightly, giving you an extra weight loss edge.

If you’re not used to spicy food, start slowly to avoid digestive discomfort. Remember, the goal is to enhance your meals, not make them uncomfortably hot.

Chew Gum

Close-up of a person putting a piece of chewing gum into their mouth using their fingers.
Image Credit: iStock

When you feel hungry between meals, try chewing sugar-free gum. This trick can help you feel full without adding extra calories.

Chewing gum tells your brain that you’re eating, which can help stop you from wanting more food. The minty taste can also make you less likely to eat soon after.

Pick sugar-free gum to avoid extra calories and keep your teeth healthy. Just remember not to chew gum too much, as it can hurt your jaw.

Skip the Processed Foods

A plate with a burger topped with lettuce and tomato, accompanied by a side of curly fries and a small basket of regular fries.

Highly processed foods are often packed with calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, which can make you want to eat more. These foods are designed to be tasty and easy to overeat, making appetite control challenging. 

Instead, focus on whole, minimally processed foods. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods are more filling and nutritious, helping you feel satisfied with fewer calories. 

Cooking meals at home using whole ingredients gives you more control over what you’re eating and can make a big difference in managing your appetite.

Brew Some Black Coffee

Close-up image of ground coffee spilling from a metal scoop onto a wooden surface with coffee beans nearby, showcasing clever ways to reuse coffee grounds and save money.

Drinking a cup of black coffee can help you feel less hungry and might make your body burn calories a bit faster. The caffeine in coffee can make you feel less hungry and more full.

Don’t add sugar, cream, or special flavors, as they add many extra calories. If you’re not used to black coffee, start with a little and get used to the taste slowly.

Too much caffeine can make you feel shaky or keep you awake, so drink it in moderation. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, be careful. It’s best to drink coffee early in the day so it doesn’t keep you awake at night.

Try Apple Cider Vinegar

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Some people find that apple cider vinegar helps them feel fuller. While more research is needed, it might help control blood sugar levels, which can affect hunger.

To try it, mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water and drink it before meals. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to avoid any digestive discomfort. You can also use it in salad dressings or marinades.

Remember, apple cider vinegar is very acidic, so always dilute it and rinse your mouth afterward to protect your tooth enamel. It’s not a magic solution, but it might be worth trying as part of your overall appetite control strategy.

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Use Smaller Plates

A carefully plated dish featuring slices of meat with garnish, a vibrant red sauce, and a side of fruit pieces and edible flowers on a white square plate. A napkin is placed nearby.

This trick can make a big difference in how much you eat. Eating from smaller plates can make your brain think you have more food. This helps you feel full with less food.

Try using plates that are 8-10 inches instead of big dinner plates. This trick helps you eat less without feeling like you’re missing out. It works for bowls and glasses too.

When you use smaller dishes, you’ll probably take less food, but your plate will still look full and nice. It’s a simple way to eat fewer calories without feeling like you’re on a strict diet.

Sip on Ginger Tea

A white mug filled with yellow turmeric tea sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by turmeric powder and pieces of fresh ginger. The mug and a nearby packet both feature a logo with the letter "N".

Ginger has been used for centuries to aid digestion, and it might also help reduce appetite. Try a cup of ginger tea before meals or add fresh ginger to your cooking.

To make ginger tea, steep sliced fresh ginger in hot water for about 10 minutes. You can add a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. Ginger has a warm, slightly spicy taste that many people find enjoyable.

Besides potentially helping with appetite control, ginger tea is calorie-free and can be a soothing, comforting drink. It’s generally safe for most people, but check with your doctor if you have any health concerns.

Stay Hydrated All Day

A person outdoors drinking from a water bottle labeled "bonaqua pump," wearing a blue checkered shirt and denim vest. A fence and greenery are visible in the background.

Drinking water throughout the day can help you feel less hungry. Sometimes, what we think is hunger is actually thirst. Aim for at least 8 cups of water a day, more if you’re active or in a hot climate.

Carry a water bottle with you as a reminder to sip regularly. If you find plain water boring, try adding slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries for natural flavor. Herbal teas also count towards your fluid intake. 

Staying well-hydrated has many health benefits beyond appetite control, including better skin, improved digestion, and more energy. Make it a habit to drink water with meals and between them to help control your appetite naturally.

Choose Slow-Digesting Carbs

A close-up image of a bowl filled with a mixed variety of uncooked rice grains in shades of brown and black.

Not all carbs affect your appetite the same way. Slow-digesting carbs, also known as complex carbs, can help keep you feeling full longer than refined carbs.

Choose foods like oats, quinoa, brown rice, and sweet potatoes. These foods release energy slowly, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent sudden hunger spikes. They’re also rich in fiber, which adds to their filling effect.

Try swapping white bread for whole grain, or white rice for brown rice. These small changes can make a big difference in how satisfied you feel after meals and how well you control your appetite throughout the day.

Fill Up on Fiber

A halved avocado with the seed in one half and the other half without the seed, displayed on a dark surface.

Fiber is a secret weapon when it comes to feeling full. It stays in your digestive system longer than other nutrients, slowing down digestion and keeping you satisfied for hours.

High-fiber foods also tend to be lower in calories, making them perfect for weight loss. Include plenty of whole grains, beans, apples, avocados, almonds, chia seeds, and vegetables in your diet. 

These foods will not only help control your appetite but also provide numerous other health benefits. Aim to gradually increase your fiber intake to avoid digestive discomfort.

Power Up with Protein and Healthy Fats

A plate with a fried egg, bacon, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and baked beans, accompanied by a glass of orange juice and a fork with a green handle on a white surface.

Eating more protein and healthy fats is a great way to feel full for longer. These nutrients are much better at satisfying hunger than carbohydrates. 

When you include protein and healthy fats in your meals, you’ll likely find yourself feeling satisfied with less food. Try adding lean meats, eggs, beans, soy products, Greek yogurt, avocados, nuts, and seeds to your diet. 

These foods not only help control your appetite but also provide essential nutrients your body needs. Aim to include a source of protein and healthy fat in each meal to maximize the appetite-suppressing effect.

Your Journey to Better Appetite Control

A woman eating a salad with a fork.

Controlling your appetite can greatly help you lose weight. These 20 natural tips will help you manage your hunger and make losing weight easier.

Small changes can make a big difference. Try adding these tips to your daily routine one by one. You might be surprised at how quickly you feel more in charge of your eating.

Everyone’s body is unique, so see what works best for you. Use these methods to create your own way of controlling your appetite. Be patient and keep trying, as getting better at it takes time.

You can do it! With these tips, you’re moving closer to controlling hunger, reaching your weight loss goals, and living a healthier life.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

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