Fun and Easy Ways to Curb Cravings, Feel Full, and Build Healthy Habits for Kids and Teens
Did you know your body has a built-in signal that tells you when you’re full and satisfied? This amazing hormone, called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), helps control your appetite, reduce cravings, and keep you feeling great. The best part? You can boost this hormone naturally by making small, simple changes to your family’s meals—no complicated science required.
Here’s how you can harness the power of GLP-1 for your kids, teens, and yourself to make healthier eating fun and effective.
What Is GLP-1, and Why Should You Care?
GLP-1 is a hormone that helps your body know when it’s had enough to eat. It’s like your body’s natural “I’m full” signal. When GLP-1 levels are high, you’re less likely to overeat or reach for unhealthy snacks. This is especially helpful for kids and teens who often struggle with cravings and emotional eating.
But there’s more: GLP-1 also plays a role in how your brain feels about food. It can reduce the “wanting” and “liking” for sugary and salty snacks, making healthier choices easier and more appealing.
How Green Plants Can Boost GLP-1
Researchers have discovered a natural way (more to come!) to increase GLP-1: thylakoids. These are tiny parts of green plants like spinach, kale, and lettuce. When you eat foods rich in thylakoids, they stimulate the release of GLP-1, helping you feel fuller and reducing cravings.
In one study, people who ate about 3.5oz of thylakoids before breakfast experienced:
- 21% less hunger throughout the day.
- 14% more satiety (feeling full after eating).
- 36% fewer cravings for snacks and sweets.
- A drop in cravings for salty snacks (30%) and sugary treats (38%).
These results are amazing for anyone who wants to eat healthier without feeling deprived—and they’re especially helpful for growing kids and teens!
Making GLP-1 Boosting Foods Fun for Kids and Teens
Eating more green plants doesn’t have to mean boring salads. Here are some creative and kid-approved ways to add thylakoids to your family’s meals:
1. Green Smoothie Bowls
Blend spinach or kale with a banana, yogurt, and some frozen berries. Pour it into a bowl and let your kids top it with fun toppings like granola, sliced fruit, or nuts. They’ll love making their own “art” with their breakfast!
2. Spinach Pancakes
Add a handful of spinach to pancake batter for a fun, green twist. Use cookie cutters to make shapes, or call them “Hulk Pancakes” to make them extra exciting.
3. Crunchy Kale Chips
Toss kale leaves with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then bake until crispy. These “superfood chips” are perfect for snack time and much healthier than store-bought options.
4. Wrap It Up
Use large lettuce leaves or spinach wraps instead of tortillas for tacos or sandwich roll-ups. Add kid-friendly fillings like chicken, cheese, and avocado for a handheld meal they’ll love.
5. Popsicle Power
Blend spinach with pineapple juice and freeze the mixture into popsicle molds. These refreshing treats are great for warm days and pack a hidden nutritional punch.
Why Kids and Teens Benefit from Boosting GLP-1
Growing kids and busy teens often crave snacks and sweets because their bodies need fuel. By naturally increasing GLP-1, you can help them:
- Feel fuller for longer after meals.
- Avoid overeating and emotional snacking.
- Develop a healthier relationship with food.
This isn’t just about weight—it’s about building lifelong habits that help kids feel their best and make smarter food choices.
Easy Steps to Get Started
You don’t have to make major changes to see results. Start by adding about 3.5oz of green, thylakoid-rich food to your family’s meals each day. Over time, you’ll notice that everyone feels more satisfied and less tempted by unhealthy snacks.
Prebiotics and probiotics supercharge your gut, boosting short-chain fatty acids that help create L cells – the powerhouse cells that produce GLP-1!
The Bottom Line
Boosting GLP-1 naturally is a simple, fun, and effective way to support healthy eating for your whole family. By incorporating thylakoid-rich foods into your meals, you’re not just helping your kids and teens manage hunger—you’re giving them tools to thrive.
Ready to start? Grab some spinach, kale, or lettuce on your next grocery trip and let the healthy eating adventures begin. Your family’s health (and taste buds) will thank you!
Help your child achieve lasting health and confidence! With our support, you can guide them toward better physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Start building healthy habits today for a happier future!
Stenblom, E. L., Montelius, C., Östbring, K., Nilsson, S., & Håkansson, M. (2015). Supplementation with thylakoids reduces hunger and craving, and increases satiety in overweight women. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25895695/
