Increasing appetite can be done in various ways, including by adjusting the food menu and eating patterns. In addition, there are various healthy tips that you can do for whet your appetite. Let's see the review in the following article.
There are many factors that can affect our appetite, including physical conditions and psychological factors. For example, when we are sick or stressed, we tend not to have an appetite for food. In addition, the side effects of drugs or certain nutritional deficiencies also contribute to high or low appetite.
How to Increase Appetite
Don't let your appetite go away for days, because it can cause the body to become malnourished and experience health problems. Here are some ways that can help increase your appetite:
1. Always prepare your favorite food
This is the easiest way to increase your appetite. Provide stock of your favorite food in a place that is easily accessible and visible to you so that you are more tempted to eat it.
When there is no food at home, you can order your favorite food through a delivery service. Another trick, try viewing photos or videos of food and cooking on various social media. This method can stimulate your appetite too.
2. Eat more often with small portions
Food with large portions tends to make someone unappetizing, especially people who have no appetite. To get around this, try dividing your 3 large meals into 6-7 small meals a day. This includes the portion of rice and side dishes. You are also advised not to skip breakfast.
When you are lazy to eat, you need to eat highly nutritious foods. So, choose intakes that are high in calories and nutrient-dense, such as beans, potatoes, rice, pasta, meat, fish, tofu, avocado, milk, and yogurt.
3. Eat with family members or close friends
According to research results, rather than eating alone, eating with family or close friends will be more enjoyable and help a person to have an appetite. When they can't keep up with you, try eating while watching TV.
4. Prepare interesting food
To whet your appetite, try to make the food look more appealing. Colorful foods can make you want to eat, even if you don't feel hungry.
Decorate with tomatoes, broccoli, or other brightly colored vegetables to make the food look attractive. But, make sure you eat the decorative food too!
5. Create a new atmosphere when eating
In addition to preparing interesting food, you can also set your dining table like a medium candlelight dinner, by lighting a candle at the dining table. Then perfect it by playing your favorite music.
Relaxed atmosphere and cozy like this will make eating more enjoyable and make you more appetizing. It will be more fun if this meal is accompanied by the closest person or your partner.
6. Avoid drinking a lot of water before or during meals
Drinking water before eating or in between meals can make your stomach feel full, so that your appetite is reduced. Therefore, it is recommended to limit water consumption at least 30 minutes before eating.
7. Exercise diligently
Keep in mind that exercise can increase appetite. This is because physical activity such as exercising can burn calories and drain energy, so the body will feel hungry and need to eat.
Exercise also helps the body release chemicals in the brain that can help improve mood and stimulate appetite. Try a leisurely walk or other light exercise, such as yoga, 30-60 minutes before mealtime.
8. Take an appetite-boosting vitamin supplement
Lack of certain types of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, can reduce appetite. Therefore, you can take several types of appetite-enhancing supplements, such as: zinc, multivitamins, fish oil, and echinacea.
If your appetite has not returned to normal even though you have done the above methods, you should consult a nutritionist. The doctor will find out the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
