When you’re hungry, it’s your body’s way of telling you it needs food to create more energy. After we’ve eaten, most of us can go a few hours before our next meal. But this is not the case with some people. If you’re one of them, here are five possible reasons why you’re hungry all the time.
1. You Eat Lots of Refined Sugars
If you eat lots of white pasta and drink plenty of soda, your intake of refined sugars could be high. Because these sugars have a low fiber content, your body processes them very fast. As such, you will feel hungry again shortly after you’ve eaten.
2. You Don’t Eat Enough Protein
Not getting enough protein can also be one of the reasons why you’re hungry all the time. That’s because protein increases the production of the satiety hormone leptin. In doing so, it also helps reduce the levels of ghrelin, the so-called hunger hormone.
3. You Don’t Drink Enough Water
On top of its many other health benefits, water can also help you reduce hunger. Research shows that this is especially true if you have a glass or two of water right before you eat. One study found that this could also help lower your calorie intake by up to 600kcal per meal.
4. Your Diet Is Low in Fiber
The richer your food is in fiber, the longer it takes your body to process it. But not all types of fiber are the same, which is why you should opt for foods that have a high content of soluble fiber. These include oranges, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal.
5. You’re Not Eating Mindfully
According to research, being distracted during a meal can make it hard to recognize when you’ve had enough. As a result, you’ll be hungry again very soon, which could increase your daily calorie intake by up to 48%. So, to reduce hunger, you should also consider practicing mindfulness while you’re eating.
