6 foods that make you feel fuller, faster

Add olive oil to your weekly menu to feel fuller, faster.Credit: sxc.hu/pyong, pyong

Still can't kick those mid-afternoon cravings? If you're determined to stick with a healthy diet this week but are still battling hunger pangs throughout the day, it's time to stock up on foods that will make you feel fuller. Remember that very strong cravings for a certain food could mean your body has a deficiency of certain nutrients. Seeking out foods that will satisfy your appetite without exceeding your calorie quote for the day can be tricky. Fortunately, Mother Nature has provided us with dozens of foods that contain plenty of nutrition and will fill you up quickly -- without a calorie overload.

These six foods can make you feel fuller, faster:

1. Boiled Eggs

A boiled egg is high in protein and fat. Just one boiled egg can make you feel comfortably full for a few hours. Chop one up to add in your afternoon salad or enjoy one for breakfast with whole grain bread or cereal to say goodbye to hunger until lunch time.

2. Fatty Tuna or Salmon

Tuna, salmon and oily fish are high in Omega-3s, an essential fatty acid that is not only good for brain but can also keep you feeling fuller, longer. Add some tuna or salmon to your salad or enjoy grilled salmon filets for dinner a few times per week to get your fix.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains oleic acid and healthy fats which can make you feel more satisfied. Add some olive oil to your salad dressings or enjoy some whole grain bread slices dipped in olive oil to keep hunger pangs at bay. Just a teaspoon of olive oil is all you need to feel fuller after your snack or meal.

4. Avocado

Another food high in Omega-3s, avocado packs a nutritional punch and can make any salad or sandwich that much more satisfying. If you're tired of the usual salad or sandwich routine for lunch, whip up some homemade guacamole with fresh avocado, or enjoy this addictive dip as a snack in the middle of a busy day.

5. Oatmeal with Lowfat Milk

A small bowl of old-fashioned oatmeal with lowfat milk can help to curb cravings for sugar-laden carbs. This healthy whole grain is rich in fiber and the protein content from the milk can help you feel satisfied for the next few hours. Add some flavor with a natural sweetener, cinnamon or even some cocoa.

6. Nuts

Walnuts, almonds and pine nuts are your best bet for taking care of those cravings for salty foods. Make some healthy granola bars with a handful of these nuts to keep hunger in check. Adding these nuts to your favorite baked goods or even sprinkling them on salads can help you feel fuller and more satisfied. As long as you're not overdoing it, the fat in these nuts won't add inches to your waistline.

High-fiber, low-fat foods loaded with nutrients are your best bet when you want to keep hunger at bay. Make sure you include these six foods in your weekly diet to nix cravings and extreme hunger for good.