10 Weird Nutrition Tips That Actually Work, Says Science

There are no hard and fast rules to diet and nutrition. A vegetable diet may work well for you, but somebody may need substantial amounts of animal-based products. The only way is to keep trying different strategies and see what works out for you. Even then, much of it may not make sense to you, like these weird nutritional tips we've put together for you. They may seem completely bonkers, but according to science, they work. Really. Check it out.

1. Drink coffee to have a better nap. This is actually true. A Japanese study shows that people who took a 'coffee nap'-consuming about 200 milligrams of caffeine (the amount in one to two cups of coffee) and then immediately taking a 20-minute rest-felt more alert and performed better on computer tests than those who only took a nap. Weird huh?

2. To eat less, eat more. Eating small amounts of carbohydrates does nothing but spike your blood sugar and leave you wanting more carbs. Better to eat something substantial, preferably full of proteins.

3. Enjoy some sweets at breakfast.A study from the journal Eating Behaviors found that eating a small amount of a highly liked food each day reduces overall cravings.

4. Eat on a colourful plate. Research from Cornell University found that people serve themselves more food when the colour of their food matches the colour of their plate.If your goal is to eat less food, serve it on a plate that's a different colour.

5. Drink water when you're bloated.When you feel bloated, drinking water sounds as if it would only make matters worse, but it can often help. Water mixes with water soluble fiber and makes it into a gel like substance. This affects the motility of the gut and reduces the symptom of bloating.

6. Smell fruits when you crave sugar or fries. Multiple studies show that sniffing fruits can help reduce hunger and diminish sugary cravings.

7. Pay for your food with cash, not card. A study from Cornell University found that people are more likely to buy junk food when paying with plastic. This is likely because unhealthy foods are usually more of an impulse buy, and paying with cash often requires thinking ahead.

8. Indulge in your cravings just a little. Eating healthy doesn't mean you can't have some of your favourite ice cream or the occasional french fries. In fact, eating a small amount of the food you are craving for is just as satisfying as eating the whole thing.

9. Drink a hot beverage to cool off. There's a reason why this country's favourite beverage is a hot cup of chai. When you sip a hot beverage, your body senses the change in temperature and increases your sweat production. Then, as the sweat evaporates from your skin, you cool off naturally.

10. Drink more water to feel happier. This might sound completely weird, but it actually works. Apparently, even mild dehydration can cause moodiness and fatigue. Staying hydrated can keep you upbeat and energised, so don't underestimate the importance of water.