That fatty bacon cheeseburger may be loaded with calories, but at least it stomps out your hunger. Right?
Not necessarily. Compared to low-fat meals with the same number of calories, meals high in saturated fat will produce lower levels of leptin -- a hormone that turns off appetite. Here's how to get leptin levels up.
All fats, saturated and unsaturated, have 9 calories per gram. Because they provide equal amounts of energy, you'd think all fats satisfy your appetite in the same way. But they don't.
To get leptin levels up, you need to eat healthful unsaturated fats. You'll find them in nuts, seeds, olives, fish, avocados, and vegetable oils. Do you know your fats?
Test your knowledge with this quiz.
And while you're cutting back on hunger-amping sat fat, watch your alcohol intake, too. Alcohol also inhibits leptin.
Learn more about appetite, hormones, and managing your waist by visiting the
YOU Doctors Center.
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