What is the one food group that fills you for the longest?

The food group that fills you for the longest - carbs - is the food group that, at least for me, makes me fat.

You don't eat veggies? What's up with that? My diet is primarily veggies, with some proteins and very minimal carbs.

Protein, not carbs fills you the longest. Eat a bagel for breakfast and you'll be hungry 2 hours later. Eat eggs and you might not be hungry until lunch.

Pie always works for me. The best food group ever!

Protein and carbs, kodi. For example an egg and a piece of toast in the morning will keep me going for hours.

Such different ideas! I was told to combine carbs with protein and that would keep me full and prevent sugar highs and lows. It does really help me.

include a bit of all the food groups.

Eggs, cheese, meats, beans, and while it is a carb, steel cut oatmeal does it for me.

I eat an unconventional breakfast but it keeps me full past lunch, most of the time. No breads, no cereal.

irecommend, pie is great for breakfast! I only have it when we have leftovers during the holidays. Doesn't last long but it sure is good!

Also, drinking benefiber about 15 minutes before you eat works well with curbing your appetite and helping you feel full. You can mix it into anything.

Also, I keep raw almonds with me and sometimes a cheese stick. Helps curb hunger pangs.

Good luck, kodi!

You don't eat ANY vegetables? You need to explore and find some you like. There's so much variety available, you're bound to like something. A bunch of stir fried vegies keeps me happy for a good long while.

A protein breakfast will sustain me much longer than a carb one (oatmeal, toast, cold cereal). Judging from the previous posts, its likely a matter of everyone being different in terms of body types, nutritional needs, blood sugar, etc.

kodi , you have to eat your vegetables !
You must eat some .. you eat salads don't you? and fruit?
hardboiled eggs can make you feel very full.
My husband used to swear by a glass of tomato juice and a hard boiled egg. said it was like eating a huge meal :- )
I eat salads all the time but the one food that makes me feel like I really ate is pasta. But you don't want that on a diet.

I love fried eggs.. you can have a fried egg on a slice of whole wheat toast ..

You will be happy here in BA .. nothing but carbs !

I think the steaks in BA are filling too!
But they always bring a huge bread basket to the table which we never touched.

Slow-burning protein to stave off hunger, IMO. If you don't want an egg in the a.m., consider a Swedish approach with wasa crisp topped with a thin layer of cheese. If you can stand it, add pepper rings or even (gasp!) a sliced tomato.

An omelette with cheese and disguised vegeetables (onions, peppers, etc.) would be very filling.

Of the carbs I think hot oatmeal is your best best.

Did you know there's a juice drink out that hides a serving of vegetables in every glass? It just tastes like fruit juice. I stopped buying it when the price went up to $4.99, but it might be worth it if you aren't getting veggies any other way.

Combine carbs with Fats and oil. The triglycerides will give you a sense of fullness and are slow to break down in the system. You should have a little protien but don't over do it b/c unused protien turns to fat, unless your job is very active don't overdo the protien. Granola or oatmeal and milk or yogurt and a piece of fruit.

Better to have little meals. Breakfast and a piece of fruit mid morning or a green drink at least if you don't eat vegetables.

You really should do something to supplement not eating vegetables because your body will be craving the vitamins you're missing. That in itself could be a reason you may be tempted to overeat.

I don't want to kick this horse too much but no vegetables? At all? Not even V8 juice (high in sodium btw so I don't really recommend it) but

Honey. Hot water, 1/2 tsp ginger powder (more or less) and a whopping, overflowing tablespoon of honey. It'll last you most of the morning, swear.
The other thing I like for lasting effect is salad. Seriously. Lots of the baby greens/mesclun type lettuce, some olive oil and cider vinegar or lemon. I like to use goat cheese and sometimes a little apple or pear. I'll easily eat a whole bag (though I prefer not to buy my veggies in bags or packaging). Bucket o'salad. Does wonders for cleaning out the digestive tract as well.

No, I really didn't mean no veggies at all.... I just didn't want anyone suggesting a tray of raw veggies to eat... yuk... I don't like many, but do like what I call my summer veggies...tomato,cucumber, onion, beets, celery.... those types of veggies.... but they sure don't fill me.. As for salads,, that's a huge no. I'm very allergic to lettuce. I eat a lot of corn.
Drink V8 juid=ce... so no worries... I'm getting a good share of veggies...

But back to what could fill me. It sounds like eating protein with some form of healthy carbs in the morning seems to be the thing to do.
Even a chicken sandwish on whole wheat. would be better that cereal. Thanks for all the advice... BTW, how would you know if you had too much protein?

The oatmeal food group

For breakfast, try rolled oats (porridge). Top with 5 or 6 unsalted nuts, prunes or fresh berries. I make mine with sufficient water not to require any milk or soy, and don't use sugar on it.

Alternatively, 1 slice of sourdough toast, 2 boiled eggs (or poached) NOT fried, or scrambled. Or, 1 egg omlette with tomato, shallots/spring onions & parsley.

10-15 mins before breakfast, have juice of 1/2 lemon in a cup of hot water.

Lunch: Small portion of protein (chicken/fish/beef/lamb) and salad.

This low carb & low GI link might be useful: http://www.lowcarb-resource.com/

I know you said you don't eat vegetables, but you might like at least some if you tried them raw rather than cooked - use seasonings (other than salt)- lemon and/or lime juice and you may just get to like them. They will be your best health friend - not just for weight, but for everything else, too.

Watch out for fruit and fruit juice - most contain quite a lot of sugar and more than a couple of pieces a day can stack on the weight. (Experience talking here!)And, you're right - they don't make you feel full; quite the reverse, in fact.

I once had to go on a diet for a month eliminating: Alcohol,added salt, preservatives, sugar, yeast, flour in all forms,potato, dairy, caffeine, pork, crustaceans, processed meats and and any fruit that ferments. My favourite Turkish bread toast with butter and a scrape of vegemite (I'm Australian - it's in our DNA )with a double shot latte at the coffee shop on the way to the office? ... GONE! Glass of wine at a business lunch & 2 with dinner? GONE!

My beloved coffee & vino replaced by a glass of carrot, celery & beetroot juice at breakfast & dinner, with as much green or herb tea as I liked. 2 litres of water mandatory every day. I tried dandelion coffee and decided I'd rather drink hemlock.

I thought civilized life was over. Once I got my head around it though, stopped carrying on and started to use my imagination, I was amazed at the variety of interesting foods that I could have. I think we get lazy and sometimes it does us and our systems the world of good to be jolted out of our usual food ruts.

I wasn't on it to lose weight primarily, but I did drop about 10 lbs and I've never felt better. I ended up staying on it for 3 months and I think it's the best thing I've ever done. I felt fantastic. My skin was amazing and my concentration and energy levels improved immensely. I should have stayed on it as it's a great, healthy and interesting diet, once you get used to it. Although I've taken back some of my old favourites (well, who can live without decent coffee & wine for ever ???) I still do much better without sugar, yeast, dairy & flour. I'm about to embark on another month (for starters)of the original version. 2009's been an "annus horribilus" for me, and it's heavy weight on body and spirit needs to be sloughed off so 2010 is met lightly & joyously.

Sorry, Kodi, I've rabbited on a bit - but I'm glad you asked the question as it's prodded me into action. And, I hope something of what I've said might be useful to you too.

kodi, I've been known to have just that! Whatever works.

Mmmm....pie.

Peanut butter on toast, oatmeal with dried fruit and some chopped nuts, scrambled eggs. A protein/carb combo makes all the difference for me. Just carbs and I'm starving by lunchtime.

its! Feral apostrophe! Weight's gone to the brain!

Complex carbs (like whole grains) do indeed satisfy longer than simple ones, because they produce less insulin rebound. Low carb diets are premised on this.
The food that produce the most satiety is fats - it takes the body longer to digest them. So schmear a little butter (but not margarine) on your morning whole grain toast. The key, of course, is keeping it to a little.

I don't get the protein fills you up but carbs don't thing. I thought whole grains were the most filling things around. Anyway, I lost loads of pounds on a low-carb diet years ago and have kept it off by carefully monitoring my carbs and eating lots and lots of protein and veggies (low-carb ones) and a few fruits.

Pancakes. I seldom eat them because they sit in my stomach like a brick. And I'm talking about the little ones. Two or three of those babies and I'm good until dinner.

cheesecake

Any food high in protein and/or fat

peanuts, almonds, fish, eggs

And I like carbs.

I have oatmeal & raisins with egg whites mixed in every morning prior to heavy weight lifting 1hr. followed by 1 hr. of cardio.
The protein for muscle and the carb. for energy works for me.

Most filling;
a protein, grain carb. and non grain carb (vegetable - non digestible fiber/carb. stays with you longer than the grain carb. which is used for energy) and A FAT (most filling)
A perfect meal - a salad, with sliced chicken (or protein), hand full of croutons and a couple tbsp. of dressing. All can be had for 300 cals. and will stay with you for hours.
or
A protein shake with a banana and a scoop of oatmeal tossed in.

Another perfect meal -
Homemade vegetable soup with some chicken, turkey balls or scrumbles (a tofu product that looks like hamburg) tossed in. Serve this with a whole grain bread with a bit of butter or some whole grain pasta thrown in with a small amount of grated cheese or have a small peanut butter cookie.

P.s. Are you allergic to all lettuce types? If so use other vegetables in your salad.

One of my favorite salads in the heat of summer is a Caprese, mozzarella, tomatoes and a bit of basil .. no lettuce and they serve this here at every single restaurant!
I get full faster on carbs and they are more fattening to my way of thinking.. a bowl of pasta is good but a plate of chicken or fish and a salad is better ..

cybor, we pretty much had soup almost every night this winter lol. I get on a food kick and that is all I want and soup is so easy to make !
I fell in love with one that is chicken broth and noodles with some ginger celery .. basic chicken soup but then you throw in some small noodles and a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil and you have Chinese chicken soup :- )

Now it is warming up, we will have Gazpacho !

Thank you all for the great advice. I appreciate it, and would like to respond to each of you, but must get cracking here .. More later..
Scarlett, Caprese sounds great.

Bokhara, thank you and good luck.

For me, low carbs doesn't appeal to me.. I know I can't have tons of them, but low carb is not my idea of any fun at all. I don't think it's healthy to eliminate any one food group.. But I've definately switched to whole grain.

Lunch is hard because I'm on the road. Today I've packed a turkey sandwich ( high fibre, whole wheat bread.. called Ancient grains...must be healthy!)

Seamus, I was told years ago that , yes indeed, fat is stays with you. ...so a bit of butter is good. Thanks for saying that.

Another vote for oatmeal. I had to change my diet for health reasons last year, and oatmeal was one of my experiments. I find it a real "stick to your ribs" meal and probably have it once a week or so. If you use old fashioned rolled oats it takes about five minutes to prepare. Steel-cut or Irish oats are even better but take about thirty minutes to cook. So, here you go:

1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats simmered in one cup water with a pinch of salt for five minutes. When done add

Splash of lowfat milk, 3/4 tsp maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon and sliced banana. You'll be set until lunch.

I've lost over thirty pounds keeping carbs to about 60-70 a meal, protein to about 4 oz, and as many vegetables as I like, so I don't think you'll find this fattening.

Cooked oatmeal for breakfast. If I eat cheerios out of the box, it doesn't last near as long as the cooked oatmeal.

I haven't had rolled oats since I was a kid and I didn't like it then..but it sounds like it's time to try it again.
That's what I need, ... stick to the ribs food.
Fra_Diavolo, congratulations.

Scarlett, is it called Caprese on the menu there? They don't put it on a bed of lettuce do they?
So many things come on a bed of lettuce.. and I can't have that.

This morning I had cashew butter on whole wheat rusks...
and a probiotic yogurt drink.



I don't drink juices, except for the V8. I try to eat lots of berries.

All these ideas are great... Thank you.

I feel protein fills me up for long time. Mostly meats (beef, chicken, fish) and nuts.

Definitely carbs. If I don't have carbs I get weak.

Also chocolate. I have always believed chocolate s/b the 5th food group and it s/b required with every meal.

You asked how to know if you have too much protien. In terms of protein think cards and dice. Meat about the size of a deck of cards and cheese the size of dice.

Oats come in many forms, my favorite everyday oat is granola. I make it myself and control what goes in.

I always think it's a good idea to revisit foods every few years. Some foods that I hated when I was young, I've had prepared different ways or my taste buds had changed. Still don't like lamb but I've tried

I too can fill up on caprese salad. It's an easy beautiful dish to serve guests at summertime when you can buy field tomatoes. My version is I alternate a slice if red tomato(I try to buy all the same size), a slice of mozzerella, (the egg sized ones are perfect for this) a large basil leaf, a slice of red onion, the next round, if available I put a yellow tomato, the finished dish looks beautiful and I get the wow commentbecause The colors are stunning. I dress it
with a good quality virgin olive oil/wine vinegar/dash of balsamic.

Steak

Be aware that mozzarella is very high in calories.

That said, I would rather eat cheese than just about anything.

I agree with you that I hate it when people suggest carrot or celery sticks. I want to scream at them, "It isn't satisfying!" But if you slathered a lot of peanut butter on the carrots and celery, then it would be filling. But you are back to the calorie problem then.

Eggs are good for filling you up. even better is a cheese omelett. (See what my problem is?)

How about eggplant, portabello mushrooms, spaghetti squash, banana squash, pumpkin? The first two taste quite "meaty" to me. The last three are really tasty and more caloric than your average vegetable but still better than just corn.

You can buy low fat mozzarella,and the calories won't amount to much if the foods you eat with them are also low.
You can eat anything if you watch your portions and calories
and have a balanced meal.

Another technique is to jump up and down (or bounce up and down on a mini trampoline)after a meal. This will shake up your stomach and make it more likely that you will feel full. Many people have lost the ability to recognise when they have eaten enough.

But if you barf you're back to being hungry again.

Thank you LSky... a good rule to remember.

P_M, I totally agree about the chocolate... what would life be without it.

I really love the idea of Cabrese salad. I can't believe I haven't heard of it. I suppose because I always stay clear of salads, since I'm so allergive to lettuce.

Grasshopper, sorry but the thought of any of these things make me gag. I'm just not a veggie person ..at all.

Cigalechanta, you are so right... One can eat anything, and as the French say... Three bites. It's all about control and portions..
but here I'm looking for ideas that will make me feel full

I did go out and buy oatmeal today. SO after many , many years, I'm determined to like it. What is steel cut? I could not find it anyway. Is it better?

Oats! Oats! Oats! I don't even cook mine - I just have 3/4 cup of wholegrain rolled oats with a 1/4 cup of a fibre cereal - you could add bran flakes whatever with cold no fat milk. Yum! Very low GI, so very filling and very good for you as they will lower your cholesterol. I started eating them early in the year and my cholesterol has come down from 5 to 4.

I usually have a sandwich for lunch but follow that up with grapes - grapes are also very good low GI food.

These two types of meals keeps me going and I very rarely feel like anything in between.

Feelings of hunger have a lot to do with blood sugar level. If you eat foods with a high glycemic index your blood sugar level will shoot up quickly and then down again quickly and you will soon be craving more. Foods with a low glycemic index will keep your blood sugar level more on as more even keel and you won't feel hungry again as soon.

So the people who recommended protein and complex carbs like rolled oats are all correct. Just make sure you choose the old fashioned rolled oats or steel cut oats because the quick cooking versions have a higher glycemic index (GI). Some people have mentioned this already and most of the newer diets take it into account.

Sometimes the difference is all in the processing. Flour made from stone ground whole grain wheat is much lower glycemic than highly refined white flour. Brown rice is lower glycemic than white rice. Orange juice has a much higher glycemic index than a whole orange.

I can lend you a book about the glycemic index if you'd like or check out the link someone posted above.

It is not a food group but a sausage biscuit will keep me full till a late lunch. However it is not for those dieting!

kodi, the Rodi Bar Caprese is just slices of tomatoes covered with mozzarella and oil and salt and pepper.. When we arrived here, that is all I ate .

Remember ... no lechuga

I get the low sugar thing ( shakes, weak, cranky) because I don't eat .. I have a lot of coffee with a lot of sugar in it and around 2, I get wobbly .. I just have an orange or something from the bakery and I bounce right back. .

And whoever suggested Chocolate as the 5th Food group ... I Agree !!!! :- )

scarlett- I suggested cheesecake as a food group but in deference to your suggestion, perhaps chocolate cheesecake would be a food group.

"And whoever suggested Chocolate as the 5th Food group ... I Agree !!!! :- )"

Scarlet, A-HEM, that was me. As always we are on the same page.

Drink a large glass of water before eating. Eat slowly, I'd like to pretend that I take my own advice here but I'm sorry to say that I have to remind myself to slow down I don't have a plane to catch after each meal.

P_M, I remembered it was you!!! I never forget the source of such wisdom!! ( Gail, your idea is good too!!)

Moolyn, I knew you would know about this stuff... I did buy a book that talks about it, but I'd love to see your book. Thanks for the info! Alas, I've bought the quick microwave kind. I'll learn!

Scarlett, thank you so much. I can't wait to order Caprese. I know I'm going to really like it. And thanks for the word for lettuce. I also get shacy and cranky when I go too long without food. Something from the bakery sounds good.

Lsky, I'll try the water...

So, I'll see how I make out in the morning with my oatmeal.
I like date squares and Oatmeal cookies, so I've convinced myself I'll like the cooked oatmeal.

OK, that is settled... Chocolate, specifically Chocolate Cheesecake is now the 5th food group.
Sub-groups can be brownies, Volcan de chocolat , chocolate syrup, fudge and in a pinch, M&Ms ... peanuts can be added for fiber.

kodi... you know you can ask me anything about food.. especially the eating out part

biscuits and sausage gravy will keep you full.
also a beef and refried bean burrito (ideally with green chile sauce) is very filling. i normally top with lettuce(skip that), cheese, toms, black olives and sometimes a dollop of sour cream.

chocolate rules!!

Oh, I'm getting hungry! Virginia, when ever I go down south, I treat myself to biscuits and gravy at least once.

Scarlett, I'm having a hard time here not mentioning Dulce de Leche. I think it deserves an honorary mention and could be added to the chocolate group.

Peaunt M&Ms are a healthy snack and they make a good square meal by encompassing 2 food groups. (chocolate and protein) When I was in college I often had this as a meal when I was busy studying and had no time to run out from the library to grab a bite. I also had it as a meal when I wasn't busy. Peanut M&Ms were a filling and satisfying lunch, and of course I would counteract any calories by drinking a diet coke along with it. Aaah, those were the days.

P_M.. you are obviously a nutritionist and know your stuff... Peanut M&Ms are very portable, take up little room ( in a handbag or pocket) and go with many other things ( popcorn, coke, etc) ...
And if you are a tiny bit obsessive or something like that ... you can fulfill your needs by eating them according to color ..
which also makes them a good food source for Mommies who are teaching babies colors ... Orange.. Red ... Yellow ...
They are still the good old days in some parts of the world

pdx- you sound like a healthy eater! I've heard and read that apple cider vinegar is good for you and try to put it on my salad, but I've also heard that lettuce is hard to digest. Perhaps it's just iceberg lettuce?

P_M & Scarlett- would chocolate covered almonds be just as good as M&Ms?

I have 3 egg whites and a whole wheat english muffin every morning for breakfast and it's very filling. I rarely get hungry before lunch.

You definitely need protein with any meal to fill you up and to have a balanced diet.

boots - I think lettuce can be difficult for some people to digest but fortunately I'm not one of them.
I'm not the world's healthiest eater but I'm certainly not the worst. I'm way too heavy on meats and I'm not much of a fruit eater.

"biscuits and sausage gravy" Now that is something that I cannot stomach! Ick!

Now, chocolate cake with chocolate syrup would be fine.

Boots, I think that the almonds would be included in the group. And they have all that chocolate around them to protect them, til they are eaten. Unfortunately, mommies would not be able to teach colours with them... but nothing is perfect. At least counting could be taught.

Scarlett, can you get M&M's down there? Our Canadian version are called Smarties... I guess for a reason.

Sorry Wyatt, I don't like egg whites at all.

I ate my oatmeal for the first time this morning. I put in the required amount of milk, zapped it in the microwave, and it was like soup. Maybe I didn't leave it in long enough.. but I ate it anyway. I think I can get used to it.. It really did keep me full til lunch time. So, I'd say it was a success.

boots, they say if you eat a handful of almonds before a meal you will eat less food. So if you eat a handful of chocolate covered almonds then you might not want your food at all. So you CAN lose weight by eating those too.

kodi, are you making instant or steel-cut oat? Steel-cut or any of the non-instant varieties are going to be best made on the stove top. Though, years ago, I used to make oatmeal in the crockpot so it was ready in the morning when I got up.
If you like the rolled oats you might try to look for the extra-thick oats. I get them from the bulk foods section. They cook up so much chewier and with more texture than regular oats. Add walnuts, raisins, brown sugar and a lump o'butter and you have yerself a fine feast!

Yes, kodi, honey, great big bags of M&M peanuts and plain.. which I never eat .. gimme my peanut M&Ms and I be happy.

and P_M is so right .. again... sigh... she knows Everything ...sigh....If you eat at least a handful before dinner, you can go straight to dessert and forget about eating any meal .. a real weight loss winner

What can I say Scarlett. If I have only one talent in life, it would be to rationalize the excessive consumption of chocolate.