Why Am I Always Hungry?

Have you ever thought, “I want to lose weight, but I’m always hungry?” I am sure it sounds familiar to you, including myself.  Don’t worry! You’re in the company of many.

There are some days I could eat everything in sight! 

Along my journey of leading a healthier lifestyle, I feel like sometimes I sabotage myself when that extreme, constant hunger kicks in.  I am sure I am not the only one! I have been pretty good about grabbing some fruit or raw veggies when it happens, but sometimes…….

So, I started wondering – Why in the world am I so hungry on certain days and other’s I’m not?? I decided to do some research and here is what I found:

1. Was It Something You Ate?

I’m sure you all have been in this situation.  Susan brings doughnuts to work and you couldn’t pass it up, but now you want something else. They sure are tasty in the moment, however, sugary drinks, candy, and pastries don’t give you lasting energy, so you’re soon hungry again.

When you eat sweet or starchy carbs like doughnuts, pastries, or regular soda, they send a lot of sugar into your system at once. So your body releases the hormone insulin, which helps your cells use it as fuel or store it for later. But that flood of sugar can cause your body to make more insulin than you need. That can lower blood sugar too much and make you hungry.

Better choices: anything with fiber, whole grains, fruits, or vegetables, healthy fats (salmon, nuts, avocado), and lean protein (such as eggs, beans, grilled chicken). 

2. You’re Stressed Out

At first your body zaps away hunger with a hormone called adrenaline. But if your worries stick around a while, your system cranks up the levels of another hormone, cortisol. This one can make you want to eat everything in sight. When the stress goes, cortisol levels fall and your appetite usually gets back to normal. 

3. You’re Thirsty

Sometimes when you think you need to eat, you’re actually dehydrated. So maybe try drinking some water first. Still hungry? That lets you know you may need to eat something. And because you had that water, you may be less likely to overeat.

4. You’re Pregnant

While some moms-to-be feel too queasy to eat much in the first few weeks, others may feel like they’re hungry all the time. They also might crave new foods or feel sick at the thought of eating things they used to love. If you think that might be the reason behind your pangs, a test kit from the pharmacy can tell you if that’s the case. If it is, see your doctor to confirm the results.

5. You Eat Too Fast

When you wolf down your food, you might not give your body enough time to notice that you’re full. Eating slowly is also more satisfying, so you eat less. It can help to focus: Take smaller bites, chew well, and enjoy your food. Give it about 20 minutes, and see if you’re still hungry. 

6. Your Food Didn’t Satisfy

Scientists actually put a number on this. It’s called the “satiety index.” Higher ranked foods satisfy your hunger better for the same calories. For instance, roasted potatoes are a lot more filling than fries.

7. You Saw or Smelled Something Tasty

Maybe you saw an ad about ice cream or smelled fresh-baked cookies as you walked by the market’s bakery. That could be enough to make you want to eat, whether your body is hungry or not. Try to notice these triggers and then decide what you’re going to do.

8. Your Emotions Are in Charge

Many people turn to “comfort foods” when they’re upset, bored, sad, or depressed.  You may hear it called “emotional eating.” What’s your mood right before you eat? If you’re not really hungry, try doing something you enjoy. And if you find that you often feel blue, stressed, or anxious, you may want to talk with your doctor or a counselor to plan healthy ways to handle those emotions.

9. You Take Medication

Some medicines can affect your appetite. These include some that are used to treat depression or mood disorders, along with certain antihistamines, antipsychotics, and corticosteroids. Tell your doctor if you’re hungrier after you start a new medication. But don’t stop taking it on your own.

10. You Don’t Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can change the balance of hunger hormones (leptin and ghrelin) in a way that can make you want to eat more. It can also make you more likely to reach for snacks that have more calories and more fat to satisfy that urge.

What is the reason for hunger that you most identify with? 👇 Comment below and share this post on your favorite platform. ❤️