(AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

As the holidays approach, we are all concerned about the food that we will encounter everywhere. How do we resist? How do we know when enough is enough? Do we just throw in the towel and binge?

While I wish holiday calories did not count, they most certainly do, and they will stay with you until you find a way to work them off. Considering that a single basic Thanksgiving meal has an excess of 1000 calories, working off the unneeded energy becomes quite a daunting task. Especially since the tryptophan in turkey will make you nap.  It would be better to eat less to begin with.

But we all want to enjoy the holidays! How do you resist overindulging and not feel like you are depriving yourself? Wouldn't it be great if you weren't even in the mood for eating? Here are some natural foods and techniques that will help you to naturally suppress your appetite.

Photo by Suat Eman

1. Apples. Apples continue to be basically a miracle food. Not only are they just all round spectacular for you, but they are a natural appetite suppressant. They are also more effective at helping you wake up in the morning than coffee! So start your morning with an apple, get an energy boost, and keep your appetite stabilized.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4488433_make-grapefruit-essential-oil.html

2. Essential oils. Many essential oils can be used in either aromatherapy or massage as natural appetite suppressants. Keep in mind, however, that many other oils are appetite stimulants, so you want to be careful. Just buying random essentials will not accomplish what you hope. You have to carefully choose your oils. The most common, and readily available appetite suppressants are: sweet fennel, bergamot, sweet grapefruit, lemon.

Photo by Andy Newsom

3. Water. Yep, plain old H2O. You are probably not drinking as much as your body wants, anyway, so it isn't going to hurt to add a few more ounces to your day. Drink before each meal, which will fill up your stomach a bit. In addition to that, many people mistake dehydration for hunger pangs! So half the time when you think you need a munchie, your body is really craving water!

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4. Pine Nuts. Pine nuts contain the highest amount of protein of any nut or seed. In Siberia, a handful of pine nuts are traditionally taken with a meal to create a feeling of fullness. What's the secret ingredient? Pine nuts contain pinolenic acid, a naturally occurring polyunsaturated fat that actually stimulates two powerful hunger suppressing hormones. Both hormones play a major role in signaling to the brain that you're no longer hungry. In one study, participants consuming an extract of pinoleic acid reduced their food intake by 36 percent.

http://garethkeenaninvetigates.blogspot.com/2009/03/sugar-vs-high-fructose-corn-syrup.html

5. Avoid high fructose corn syrup. Significant studies have been done on the effect high fructose corn syrup plays in people's appetite. Corn is the highest subsidized crop in the US, and shows up in everything. Sodas bottled in the USA have corn syrup, rather than actual sugar. When you have to choose between one or the other, go with straight, good old, traditional sugar. It, at least, will not throw off your body's natural cravings. Corn syrup makes your body think it's hungry when it's not.

For more info: Look for more tips from Seattle Women's Fitness Examiner on avoiding the holiday binge throughout November and December.