Do you know what I hate? Eating a meal and then being hungry again an hour later. This is especially troublesome during the holiday season because there is always so much food in the house! I know you see all those super weight loss cookies and food bars on TV that are supposed to take up space in your stomach and keep you full, but forget that. Here are 9 health tips on how to stay fuller for a longer amount of time.

1. Keep Up with Carbs

Photo Credit: gunnar3001

Carbohydrates are an important part of your diet. You can keep them in your diet and still eat healthy. Just stay away from bad carbs. Good carbs, however, will sate your appetite for longer. Potatoes are a great choice.

2. Chew gum between meals

Unless you’re one of those people who frequently swallows gum (ahem, guilty), it’s not going to actually make you full. However, chewing gum between meals can be helpful because it can signal to your brain that something flavorful is in your mouth. Sugarless gum is best: it’s better for your teeth and it will create more saliva. That will also make you seem fuller longer.

3. Drink Water with Your Meal

Drinking water with your meal is a great way to start. It’s much better to drink than soda, or even juice, tea, or wine. Save those things for before the meal, or after. Water is thought to be more filling, even if it’s just a way to trick your stomach. This method works if you’re eating a proper portion of a healthful meal.