I often hear people say no matter what they’re eating they’re hungry all the time. This is not a new phenomenon and in most cases they are hungry, but the first question to ask is what are they hungry for?
And the answer to this is two part.
- They are actually physically hungry and their body is telling them so.
- They are emotionally hungry for something other than food but they do not realise that and head to the pantry instead!
Today I want to delve into number one and share with you 5 reasons why you may be constantly hungry.
- The food you consume throughout the day is high in sugar.
Yes there are the obvious ones like those highly processed sugary foods well know so well and so often crave, but there are many foods with lots of hidden sugars which you may not be aware you’re consuming on a daily basis. And to add insult to injury, if your diet is high in processed carbohydrates, then your only adding more sugar to the pile. We now know sugar is actually an addictive substance and your body will continually crave more … hence your hunger.
2.You are not eating enough protein at each meal.
Eat protein with every meal and you will be fuller, more satiated for longer. Leave protein out of the meal and guess what you’re hungry sooner rather than later. Eating protein ensures your blood sugar levels are kept on an even keel and that is number one when it comes to your body burning up fat, which is what we want in weight loss.
3.You are not eating enough real food.
Again if you’re daily consumption is filled with processed, high sugar, packaged and processed carbohydrates, then you will be hungry all the time. Your body needs real food – one ingredient foods – which are full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals – all essential for optimal health and wellness. If you’re not eating these real foods then your body will crave them… hence your constant hunger.
4.Your hormones are out of whack!!
Your hormones are like soldiers keeping things in sync in your body – your energy, hunger, sleep, moods to name a few. They are the regulatory officers who ensure that everyone is doing their job correctly and efficiently. If they’re out of whack – such a scientific term – then havoc and hunger reigns.
5.You’re not getting enough sleep.
So yes if you are not getting enough sleep for whatever reason, then you will pay the price. The price is more often than not hunger and eventual weight gain. Lack of sleep also causes hormone havoc and you’ll find yourself craving high processed sugar foods to up your energy levels. So you eat them and then BAM, you coming crashing down again and the whole cycles repeats itself.
Hunger is your friend not your foe. It’s a signal from your body that it needs fuel and it’s time to eat. What you then choose to eat determines the next time you’ll be hungry. So why not choose foods that nourish you and promote wellness?
The above is a very brief explanation of why you may be hungry all the time. I could add another 10 reasons to the list, but this is a very good place to start.
With each explanation I wanted to give you greater detail and stopped myself otherwise you’d be here all day! So in the next 5 posts I will go deeper into each reason and give you strategies for positive change. Don’t forget to come back and discover more ways you can be a healthier version of you.
Be Healthy, Happy & Amazing!
Caroline x