Healthy lifestyle is achieved by a combination of a well-balanced diet and regular exercise routine. A balanced daily diet should contain 3 healthy meals and 2 minor in-between snacks. A healthy controlled appetite plays an important role to help maintain a balanced diet and a healthy weight. But you do not need a pill or some kind of a replacement meal powder to suppress your appetite or help control unwanted cravings. Some foods can be healthy and at the same time can act as appetite suppressants, helping you to stay full for longer.Following is the list of top 10 natural appetite suppressants -

Almonds: These are packed with appetite controlling fibre with ¼ cup almonds providing about 4gms of fibre. They also provide healthy fats, vitamin E, and a fair dose of antioxidants. They help keeping the stomach full for longer and hence in maintaining a healthy weight.

Oatmeal: It contains a wide range of healthy and vital nutrients in appropriate proportions. Half a cup of this superfood provides 5 grams of bowel healthy fibre. It has also been found to increase levels of appetite regulating hormone, hence helping in controlling hunger. A bowl of oatmeal in skimmed milk is a heart and bowel healthy breakfast to kick start your day in the right way.

Water: Often when the body is thirsty we misinterpret the sign as a hunger pang and end up consuming extra calories. The next time you feel you are hungry, start with a glass of water. You might not feel the need to eat. Water also helps you stay hydrated and drinking a glass of water before meals is also a good practice to help control portions.

Apples: An apple is a perfect mid-afternoon snack. Apple contains stomach filling soluble fibre and sugar regulating pectin to help you stay full and also maintain energy levels. Finally, apples require lots of chewing time, which helps slow you down and gives your body more time to realize that you're no longer hungry. Plus, they just taste good!

Eggs: Eggs contain good quality protein and healthy fats which helps in keeping stomach full for longer. A breakfast with 2 egg whites,1 yolk is found to help control appetite from 24-36 hours.

Lemons: Have a sweet tooth you just can’t control? Try having something sour. A salad with lemon dressing before meal or a glass of lemon water post meals can help you manage your sweet cravings and help you avoid extra calories.Soup: Studies have shown that those who start their meals with a cup of broth based vegetable soup consume fewer calories during their main course. Also, it is beneficial to maintain bowel strength and gives a healthy dose of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Green Leafy Vegetables: These are nutrient packed powerhouses which are low in calories and rich in fibre which allows you to enjoy plentiful of these without being guilty of adding extra calories and hence keeping hunger at bay.

Spices: Adding Cinnamon in smoothies and tea, cloves and ginger in vegetable curries can help to control appetite. These spices help stabilize blood sugar levels and the meal is processed slowly hence keep you feeling of full for longer post a meal.

Flax-seeds: They are rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids and stomach filling fibre. Freshly grounded or whole, they can be added to curd, shakes and salads. A tsp of flax-seeds can help you stay satiated and fuelled at the same time.