Weight loss expert shares 10p trick to 'reset appetite' in January

Over Christmas many of us over-indulge, which can carry on into the New Year if we're not careful View 3 Images A weight loss specialist has shared an affordable kitchen ingredient that could help curb those post-festive season cravings within minutes. This straightforward method may help suppress your hunger and costs just 10p per day. ‌ As January arrives, numerous Brits find that their hunger feels more intense than usual following the Christmas celebrations. This phenomenon stems from festive eating habits throwing normal appetite regulation off balance. ‌ According to appetite experts, rich foods, irregular meal times and late-night snacking can overstimulate the brain pathways that drive sugar and carb cravings, leaving people feeling hungrier in January than they did before Christmas. Professor Franklin Joseph, founder of Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic, says cinnamon water is one of the most underrated tools for resetting appetite after Christmas - particularly for people trying to rein things in during January or using weight-loss jabs. ‌ "People think cravings are psychological, but post-Christmas hunger is usually blood-sugar driven," he said. "After weeks of grazing and indulgent foods, blood sugar becomes unstable, which is why people feel constant urges in January. Cinnamon helps smooth that out." He outlined that cinnamon regulates glucose levels and delays gastric emptying, averting the sudden hunger pangs that drive people towards biscuits, confectionery and evening treats. View 3 Images ‌ Why cinnamon works According to Prof Joseph, cinnamon is rich in compounds that enhance insulin sensitivity, enabling the body to process carbohydrates more efficiently whilst preventing the sharp spikes and drops that fuel cravings. Its robust, warming taste also helps satisfy sensory desires - particularly relevant following the festive period, when people have become accustomed to indulgent flavours and hearty meals. He explained: "Flavour matters. When the brain gets something warm and sweet-smelling, it often stops chasing sugary foods. Cinnamon gives that comfort feeling without the calorie hit." He advocates for Ceylon cinnamon, which offers a milder profile and contains less coumarin compared to the more aggressive cassia variety. A 100g packet of pure Ceylon cinnamon available on Amazon retails for approximately £4.75, translating to a daily expenditure of mere pence - roughly 10p per day, depending on consumption. ‌ View 3 Images How to use it Combine a quarter teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon with hot water, stir thoroughly and drink gradually. If opting for a cinnamon stick, allow it to simmer for five minutes. "It's simple, cheap and very effective," Prof Joseph stated. "For many people, cravings fade within 10 to 15 minutes." ‌ What does research say? His recommendations are supported by scientific evidence. One study, published in the Clinical Nutrition journal in 2020, found that consuming up to two grams of cinnamon daily over a 12-week period reduced fat mass, body weight and body mass index. The research concluded: "The pooled results showed that cinnamon administration significantly decreased body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass. Greater effects on body weight were observed in subjects aged less than 50 years old and those with a baseline BMI of ≥30 kg/m2. "Cinnamon supplementation significantly affects obesity measures. It could be recommended as a weight-reducing supplement in obesity management." Anyone with concerns regarding their weight should consult their GP for professional advice.