Snacking, detrimental to our waistlines, but almost impossible to go cold-turkey on. Once the 3 o'clock slump swings around there are few of us able to control our appetites and say a definite, "no!" to that sweet treat. Indeed, in a world where the nearest mini-meal is almost always within reach, snacking has become so a part of our day that we often don't even realise we are stuffing that chocolate bar in our face. While there are healthy options out there; nuts, seeds etc., more often than not it is crisps, chocolate and a quick-fix fizzy drink that makes it into our diet.
Fear not, if you want to quit your snacking habit then next time hunger strikes between meals, which for me is at lease three times a day, simply reach for the kettle and brew up a cuppa. Make sure to choose your brew based on its hunger fighting properties and you will be on your way to a slimmer, healthier you. Not to mention all the extra water you will be consuming will help your skin glow (one of our top tips for brides-to-be is to start drinking water for a perfect glow)!
Need some help choosing? These are our top 3:
PEPPERMINT TEA
Our pick: Pukka, Three Mint Tea
Scientifically proven, sniffing peppermint reduces the urge to munch, and drinking peppermint tea will keep those hunger pangs at bay, thus helping you slim down and be super fabulous. Specifically, a study published in the Journal Appetite found that those who sniffed Peppermint every two hours consumed 2,800 fewer calories throughout the week. The scent acts as a distraction and may help curb false hunger cravings, you know, those pangs you get while bored or procrastinating. So, next time a snack craving hits, sort yourself out with a cup of peppermint tea. Sorted.
GREEN TEA
Our pick: Java Republic, Green Tea
Containing EGCG, an antioxidant that boosts the production of CCK, a hunger-quelling hormone, drinking Green Tea is a sure-fire way of controlling hunger pangs, especially when taken with a meal. Yes, simply drink a cup of green tea along with your breakfast, lunch, and dinner and eat less of the foods you love, out of choice due to feeling fuller and having fewer cravings, rather than self-deprivation. What is there not to like about this? So, sit back and boil the kettle!
BLACK TEA
Our pick: Yunnun, Twinings
Stressed out planning your wedding? If so, then your Cortisol levels are probably through the roof and you may find yourself reaching for a sweet treat more than you usually do. Take some time to yourself and pop on a brew. Yes, black tea, has been found to increase the rate at which your body calms itself down and helps return cortisol levels back to normal in no time at all. There is some debate over what exactly does this but there can be no doubt that it does.
- Danielle Farrell