Excessive hunger can be a thing to worry about, but you should know that everything has a cause. Ever found yourself being hungry for no reason? Read below so you can get an answer to your question.
While hunger is a natural sensation, it doesn’t usually come from natural reasons. Most people go several hours between meals without feeling hungry, but if you find your stomach is growling and feel empty for no reason, here’s what you should know.
There are several explanations for a frequent hunger sensation, and we’re here to break it down for you.
Your diet is based on too many carbs
Refined carbs are very low in fiber, making your blood sugar levels fluctuate, this resulting in a hunger sensation. They have been processed and don’t have vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Foods such as white bread, pasta, candy or soda are made with processed carbs, they lack fiber and are easily digested. This is why you might feel hungry after a short while you eat them. They also lead to rapid increases of blood sugar, which increases your insulin levels.
What can you replace them with? Try cutting down sugary beverages or sweets and replace them with fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are also high in carbs but they are also rich in fiber and will keep you full for a longer time.
You don’t eat enough protein
A proper consumption of proteins is important for keeping your hunger sensation under control. Protein is known to keep you full for longer, and overall it can help you consume fewer calories during the day. If your diet is lacking protein, you might feel hungry more often.
You’re dehydrated
Very often, the sensation of thirst is mistaken for the sensation of hunger, so you might find yourself feeling hungry when you’re just dehydrated. Water has appetite reducing properties, and proper hydration levels are extremely important for your overall wellbeing.
Water keeps you full and you will find that you will feel hungry more often if you don’t drink it enough.
Apart from being extremely important for your brain and heart health, water also keeps your digestive system functioning properly.
It’s been proven that if you drink a cup or two of water before a meal, you will eat a significantly lower quantity of food.
You’re not sleeping enough
Not getting enough rest can make you feel hungry throughout the day. Having a healthy sleep routine is essential for your wellbeing. Sleep is mandatory for your brain in order to regenerate and recharge and it will keep you protected from heart disease. Sleeping for at least 8 hours per night will help you keep hunger feelings under control.
You’re not fully aware of your eating program
Living in these times, we often eat on the go, while in front of the computer or we take a quick 10 minute break to eat something while answering to e-mails. This is extremely damaging for your health and it is associated with weight gain.
When you are distracted while eating, your awareness of how much or what you’re eating is reduced. Your brain and body does not recognize fullness signals.
Try practicing some mindfulness techniques, don’t use any screens while you eat, just sit down and taste your food, every bit of it, until you are done. Your mind and body will thank you for this.
You’re consuming too much alcohol
It’s no news that alcohol is appetite stimulating. If you drink too much alcohol, you may feel hungry more often. It’s as simple as that. Apart from damaging your brain if it’s not consumed in moderation, alcohol will decrease leptin, a hormone which is responsible for the reduction of appetite.
You’re too stressed
Ever found yourself compulsive eating?
It’s a proven fact that excessive worry and stress causes appetite increases. Cortisol, a hormone that’s known to promote hunger and food cravings, increases its levels when you are very stressed. People exposed to stressful situations or lifestyles are more likely to overeat. There are many tips to help you reduce your stress levels such as: breathing techniques, minor exercise movements or mindfulness techniques.
There could be many other reasons for excessive hunger, such as: certain medical treatments, eating too fast or exercising too much.
If you find yourself feeling hungry more often, you could make small changes in your lifestyle and then you can check and see if you still have this issue. It’s all about making small changes that can help you live a more balanced, healthy life.
