Have the holidays got you down . . . because you can’t quit stuffing your face while filling your tummy? Well, join the club, and then quickly cancel your membership.
For most who celebrate a major holiday in the final months of the western calendar year, feasting is tradition. If you are wise, you will moderate your excess feasting during the holidays. Following are five healthy supplements which can encourage satiation at meal time, so you’re less inclined to eat to excess at holiday time.
The Holiday Appetite
At holiday time, the odds are stacked in your “favor” that you will eat a lot of food. But that does you no favors. It is understandable, though. It’s cold out, you’re with family, and you’re in the mood to celebrate. What’s more, the stress and business of the holidays can compel some people to desire “comfort food” throughout the entire holiday season. And in week-long vacations, some people can find themselves eating mindlessly because of idle time on their hands. All of these factors combined to make the holidays a prime time for excess eating and weight gain.
Reining in your holiday food (and drink) consumption ultimately comes down to your will, of course. Tips to reduce the temptation to overeat include waiting 10 minutes before going after seconds, and practicing “buffet wisdom” by selecting only the foods you really want.
Supplements to Curb Holiday Appetite
The body responds to the nutrients you give it. One way you can reduce an overactive appetite through the holidays is to take a healthy supplement that can help you feel fuller. Here are some prime over-the-counter products which can make you less inclined to overeat:
Fenugreek is a spice with a few different health uses, and it is most useful in concentrated supplement form. Studies show that taking a few grams of fenugreek correlates with increased feelings of fullness, reduced hunger, and reduced fat and caloric intake in subjects. Fenugreek has fibrous qualities that encourage satiation and fullness.
Psyllium husk is another fibrous plant-derived supplement. Like fenugreek, psyllium husk reduces hunger and encourages satiation after meals. This way, you will be less likely to feel hungry and snack between meals. Not only does psyllium reduce hunger, but it can also support healthy digestion.
Gymnema sylvestre is a unique herb that can affect appetite in a couple of ways. Taken as a supplement, gymnema is used to help lower blood sugar; This is a result of gymnema’s effect of reducing the sweet taste of sugary foods. By taking gymnema, one will be less likely to repeatedly return to sweet, sugary foods during holiday festivities. There is evidence to suggest that gymnema can also reduce appetite in a general sense.
Cinnamon can be useful for reducing appetite, and can be taken in concentrated supplement form. It does so by mimicking the effects of insulin. This helps stabilize blood sugar, which in turn reduces an overactive appetite and hunger.
Garcinia cambogia is an herb which contains hydroxycitric acid. This natural substance has been shown to help reduce appetite, and reduce food intake. It might be particularly useful for those who are overweight who wish to reduce food intake and, as you might have guessed, lose weight.
If you want to avoid overeating this holiday season, practice mindful eating, and consider how one of these natural herbal supplements could help you. It’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking a new supplement for the first time.