Foods That Help You Eat Less

Try munching on these snacks to prevent weight gain.

Thinkstock

Prefer your morning java to a steaming cup of tea? Here's a compelling reason to make the switch: A new study in the online journal Obesity suggests that green tea may help prevent weight gain. Other recent studies have also suggested that drinking a cup or two of green tea each day may help you manage your weight.

MORE FROM SELF: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

But is sipping green tea really the best way to stave off pounds BEFORE you pack them on? We asked Willow Jarosh and Stephanie Clarke, SELF contributing editors and co-founders of C&J Nutrition, to weigh in. Green tea and veggies that are very low in calories like celery, cabbage, lettuce, cucumbers, etc. are healthy to include in your diet because they contain antioxidants, water to keep you hydrated and fiber, which can help you feel more full and potentially eat fewer overall calories," Jarosh and Clarke say.

Jarosh and Clarke are not convinced that most of us can drink enough green tea to mimic the weight-loss results found in some of the recent studies. But enjoying a cup or two each day may improve your health as part of a relaxing ritual, so it's worth a shot!

MORE FROM SELF: 14 Ways to Snack Smarter

Looking for a few more ways to PREVENT weight gain before it happens? Here are Jarosh and Clarke's two favorite tricks:

1. Munch on air popped popcorn. Six cups of popped corn add up to a mere 130 calories, and will leave you feeling much more satisfied than a bag of chips (or other crunchy snacks). Don't have a popper? Here's how to do it in the microwave.

2. Just add canned pumpkin. Pumpkin is not only loaded with beta carotene (which your body converts to vitamin A), it also contains fiber (which can help you feel fuller) and a ton of flavor.  Try adding canned pumpkin to oats in the morning or stirring it into soup or pasta sauce for lunch/dinner for a meal that leaves you more satisfied for fewer calories.

MORE FROM SELF: How the Skinny Stay Slim

For daily health tips follow SELF on Facebook and iPad!