Low-fiber and calorie-dense foods, such as candy and cookies, generally increase appetite. On the other hand, high-fiber, bulky foods curb appetite. So when you get a hunger pang, don’t reach for the cookie jar, instead grab a Brussels sprout! Well... if not a sprout, perhaps another, tastier, high-fiber, low-calorie food to get you through the initial pang. Particularly good are foods such as beans/legumes, high-fiber cereals, pumpernickel bread, oat bran, cabbage and most vegetables.

Another great way to curb appetite is to "put on the protein brakes" with low-fat protein. You fill up fast on protein because the amino acids in protein prompt a signal that tells the brain you're getting enough. At meal times fill up on low-fat white meat or soy-based protein foods, instead of pasta or bread.