In our busy lives today, eating can sometimes become an afterthought. Although we certainly consume food regularly, we are often unaware of what we are eating. We often choose foods based on our moods and convenience rather than their nutritional value. If our diet is not well monitored, our overall lifestyle can also be affected. However, your appetite can be an indicator that something is wrong. Just as a drop in appetite can be a red flag, an increased appetite can also signal that you need to make changes. Do you tend to be constantly hungry, even if you eat well? Do you struggle to fully satisfy your cravings despite regular meals? Famous nutritionist Lovneet Batra recently posted an article about this problem on her Instagram page. She cited 7 possible reasons for having an “endless appetite.”
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Here are 7 reasons you’re always hungry, according to a nutritionist:
1. Low protein intake
According to Lovneet Batra, protein “works by increasing production of hormones that signal satiety and reducing levels of hormones that stimulate hunger.” Therefore, your increased appetite may be because you are not getting enough protein. You can increase your protein intake by consuming more dairy products, lentils, eggs, and lean meats. If you’re on a weight loss diet, check out this list of low-calorie, high-protein foods. Find a list of protein-rich snacks here.
Eggs are rich in protein. Photo credit: Istock
2. Lack of sleep
Sleep “helps regulate ghrelin, the appetite-stimulating hormone,” says the nutritionist. Therefore, if you don’t get enough sleep or if your sleep tends to be disturbed, you may feel hungrier than usual. Plus, research suggests that sleep issues can also lead to junk food cravings. Sleep and food are deeply connected. The foods you eat before bed can also affect the quality of your sleep. Learn more about it here.
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3. Low fiber intake
According to the nutritionist, high-fiber foods can stimulate “the production of short-chain fatty acids, which makes the body feel full.” People who want to lose weight are often advised to increase their fiber intake. You wonder why ? This helps control cravings and reduces the chances of binge eating. Here are some fiber-rich vegetables you should add to your diet. Click here.
4. High consumption of refined carbohydrates
Foods containing refined carbs lack fiber and cause blood sugar fluctuations, Lovneet points out. What you need to do is choose fiber-rich foods that make you feel full longer. Such a diet can not only help regulate blood sugar, but also prevent digestive problems such as constipation.
There are many ways to ensure you are following a high fiber diet. Learn more about it here.
5. Tendency to “drink your calories”
According to the nutritionist, “liquids pass through your stomach faster” and therefore “do not have as great an impact on suppressing hunger-promoting hormones.” It’s important to stay well hydrated, and warm weather can make you feel more fluid-prone. However, remember that drinks should not replace food, but only complement it. Even when it comes to “healthy drinks” like fruit juice, know that eating fruit will give you more fiber.
6. High levels of stress
Stress is known to increase cortisol levels in the body. “This hormone has been shown to promote hunger and food cravings,” says Lovneet. Similar to disturbed sleep, a stressful lifestyle can increase your appetite, especially for unhealthy foods. It can also make you less attentive to your diet.
7. Other medical conditions
Excessive hunger can be a symptom of conditions such as depression, anxiety and PMS, the nutritionist writes. However, in this case, the increase in appetite will be only one indicator among others. Therefore, several factors must be taken into account.
Having a good appetite can be a sign of a healthy lifestyle. However, the incessant hunger can be due to one or more of the reasons explained above. Now you know what to keep in mind.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It does not in any way replace qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim any responsibility for this information.