8 foods that keep you fuller for longer

Finding time to eat between one thing and another (work and kids for example), can be difficult.

It can also be difficult making it from one meal to the next without snacking on something, often unhealthy. When you do manage to grab a bite to eat, it is worthwhile having something that will keep you going for longer. We’re not talking a big meal, we’re talking snacks too. Here are a few items that are known to keep hunger at bay… 1. Soup Soup might not seem like a filling dish but, due to the liquid content, it actually takes up a lot of volume in your stomach and stays there for longer. Another thing we like about it is the variety – you can have vegetable, tomato and basil, leak and potato… the list goes on! 2. Hummus This is another food product that is packed full of fibre and it serves as a good, healthy snack. All you need is something to dip into it. We recommend chopped carrots, celery or bread sticks. 3. Apples This fruit contains fibre and water, both of which make you feel full. Having an apple before or after a meal is a healthy alternative to a biscuit and will also reduce your appetite. A pear or a cup of raspberries is another option. Be careful not to have too much fruit though as they do contain a lot of sugar. 4. Brussels sprouts Isn’t this nifty considering that it’s the festive season and all? Brussels sprouts belong to the cruciferous family and have plenty of antioxidants and fibre. However, if sprouts aren’t your thing, broccoli does the same job. 5. Pulses Now they might not sound like the most appetising of things but pulses – such as beans, chickpeas and lentils – are packed full of antioxidants as well as fibre and minerals (including iron). All of these help to stave off hunger and are really good for you. 6. Eggs It is said that, due to the fact that they are rich in protein, egg-based breakfast and lunch meals keep you going for longer. Like with soup, you’re guaranteed to find a recipe that tickles your fancy – be it poached, scrambled or boiled. We’ll tell you what that is, it’s egg-cellent. (Sorry.) 7. Nuts Nuts are rich in unsaturated fat (it’s the one that’s good for you) and packed with protein, meaning that they help in controlling appetite. It is said that you shouldn’t eat more than one closed handful of nuts a day so do go easy on them. 8. Dark chocolate We’ve undoubtedly save the best until last… If you have a sweet tooth (let’s face it, most of us do) your best option is dark chocolate. It’s more filling and richer than other types which means you will need to eat less to satisfy your cravings and fill that tummy.