by Rachel Howells

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: June 15, 2009

Outsmarting weight gain is a fun game we can all play. The objective is to convince ourselves that we are satiated even if our brains disagree. In most cases, whether we want to acknowledge it or not, excessive weight is the result of consuming too many calories.

While this may seem simple enough, addressing the causes for an overactive appetite and finding remedies is not quite so easy. Theories and opinions abound as to why many of us eat well beyond what is required for basic sustenance. Research into obesity is ongoing, and the public is continuously being introduced to new weight loss products and miracle cures.

Despite this, we as a nation continue to get fatter. We need to take matters into our own hands. With this in mind, there are a few things we can do to deal with an out-of-control appetite and therefore outsmart weight gain.

Eat Breakfast Even If You Do Not Feel Like It

Oddly enough, the one meal that many of us do not have the appetite for is the one meal we actually should be eating. Eating the biggest meal of the day in the morning keeps us energized and less likely to overindulge later on. It helps to appease a voracious appetite that can rear its ugly head at times when we should be winding down and staying away from excess calories.

Of course, it's hard to outsmart weight gain if that breakfast plate is piled with high-fat, high-sugar options such as baked goods, sugary cereals, frozen waffles, corn syrups and sausage rounds. In other words, in the fight against weight gain, being mindful of what we eat at any meal goes a long way towards winning the battle.

Good, wholesome breakfast options to outsmart weight gain include free-range eggs, porridge, whole grain breads and cereals, fruit, yogurt and reasonable portions of low-fat animal protein.

Unconventional Breakfast Options

There is no reason why we have to stick to a traditional breakfast menu. Unconventional breakfast choices can also be tried to maximize weight gain prevention with breakfast. Foods such as hummus and whole wheat pita chips, protein rich beans, chicken, tuna and vegetables all can be used to rev up metabolism and keep appetites in check for the rest of the day. Fennel and lentil soup is healthy alternative for any time of the day. Not only is this a hearty, energy-boosting food, but fennel has the added benefit of being a natural appetite suppressant.

Load Up On Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber adds bulk to our diet and slows down digestion, making us feel satiated

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