Natural Appetite Suppressants for Children

Obesity is a rampant problem faced by adults and children alike. The sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle and increasing appetite for fast food could be some of the reasons to blame for child obesity. Adults can try various quick weight loss diets, fad diets and weight loss supplements; children are left with a very few choices. The best thing that can be used for weight loss in children are appetite suppressants. Well, I am not talking about pills, which by the way should be strictly avoided for children. Rather than supplements, naturally available appetite suppressant foods work great for children as well as adults. There are numerous natural appetite suppressants meant for children, which can be used to avoid those untimely hunger pangs that your child might be experiencing.

As their name suggests, these are natural food sources that curb your hunger for a longer period of time. Untimely hunger pangs is a common problem especially with overweight people who indulge into a hectic exercising routine and controlled diet. Choosing appetite suppressants for kids is pretty tricky for various reasons. First of all, parents should understand that since they are in their growing stage, children and teenagers are ought to be hungry all the time, rather, it is a sign of healthy growth. In fact, lack of hunger or loss of appetite in children indicates health problems. But then feeling hungry , literally, all the time is also not good. You should consider giving your children some natural appetite suppressants in this case. But, make sure you consult a dietitian before going for these. There are numerous safe, natural food products which are available at home, that can be used to suppress appetite.

Apples
As goes the saying, apples are one of the superfruits that should be a part of everyone's diet. However, replacing apples with kids' favorite pizzas and burgers is a challenge that you may have to overcome. Apples are healthy and a rich source of various essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. If your children are reluctant to eat apples (which I am sure they initially will be), you can prepare plain apple juice (without sugar in any form) for them.

Bananas
Similar to apples, bananas are one of the best natural appetite suppressants for everyone, right from athletes to patients, and adults to kids. Even a single banana can suppress appetite to a great deal, which is also the reason why bananas are called early satiety provider fruits. They are easily available and limited number of bananas are sufficient for suppressing hunger for a longer period of time.

Broth
Various types of vegetable broths and chicken stocks act as the best and natural appetite suppressants. They are tasty and they also provide you with calories and protein. One thing to remember here is, to avoid using canned and pre-packaged broths. Make sure that children are having broths that are fresh and made at home. That way, they will enjoy the food even more!

Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are rich in natural omega 3 essential fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the strongest natural hunger solutions and hence, flaxseeds are ranked higher when it comes to choosing effective appetite suppressants for children. You can give raw or roasted flaxseeds to kids. You can also add crushed flaxseeds in various healthy salads, vegetables and fruit smoothies.

Herbs
After proper consultation with a dietitian or health care provider, you may decide to give various natural herbs to children. Some of the most effective herbs for children are, hoodia gordonii, lemon balm and wood betony.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an ideal choice for breakfast. Owing to the richness of slow burning carbohydrates, the original motif of eating oatmeal for breakfast was to curb hunger for long. Along with breakfast, you can provide oatmeal as a replacement for evening snacks. Some people also try making oatmeal recipes like polentas, to bring in variation, and so can you.

Organic Pickles
One of the most easily available foods, that are tasty and healthy are, pickles. No I am not talking about the oily, spicy pickles. I am referring to the natural organic ones. You know something? You can make fruit pickles or use cucumbers, lemon and herbs and make your own version of a healthy pickle. Or you can buy natural organic pickles as appetite suppressants for children. However, always ensure that you are purchasing freshly made pickles and that too from a good organic store.

Vegetables
As we all know, various green and leafy vegetables are the biggest source of nutrition. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, celery, various types of lettuce, spinach, carrots, cucumber, etc., are the best and natural appetite suppressant foods for children as well as adults. However, it is very important that these vegetables are consumed in raw form (as much as possible). If the children are reluctant, then you can prepare various kinds of delicious salads with low fat and low calorie salad dressings and make use of vegetables as natural appetite suppressants for your children.

Water
Yes, water! It is considered as the best appetite suppressant and children should be encouraged to drink at least 1-1.5 liters of water daily. Water gives a heavy feeling and suppresses hunger. Along with suppressing appetite, water also works great for stabilizing the rate of metabolism, which is the key to weight loss. So make your kids drink water at regular intervals. That will help them curb their frequent pangs of hunger and then water does have loads of benefits to offer, which it will on your kids' overall health and metabolism.

Other Foods

• Almonds
• Aloe vera
• Blessed thistle
• Cranberry juice, unsweetened
• Dandelion
• Devil's claw
• Ginseng
• Grapefruit
• Green tea
• Herbal tea
• Peppermint tea
• Red pepper
• Salmons
• Saw palmetto berries
• Turmeric
• Yogurt

While choosing any one, you must also see to it, that the kids are following a regular exercise routine suitable for their age. Also, kids should be kept motivated to shed those extra pounds by convincing them of how it is going to keep them fit and fine.