Have you ever found yourself feeling ravenous just an hour or two after eating? Food is fuel so you should be able to make it from one meal to the next with nothing more than a small snack. Here are a few things to consider if you feel hungry shortly after eating.
YOU ARE DEHYDRATED
What you think is a hunger pang may be mild to severe dehydration, so try drinking 16 ounces of water, unsweetened herbal tea, a cup of bone broth, or an electrolyte-rich beverage. Water and other hydrating fluids should never replace your meal, but your thirst may be mistaken for hunger, so try hydrating before snacking. Be particularly mindful of hydration when it is hot, humid, or when you are sweating excessively.
YOUR MEAL WAS NUTRIENT-LOW
If it feels like you haven’t eaten for hours, it may be your body’s way of telling you that your last meal was empty calorie processed foods, not nutrient-rich whole foods. Food is fuel, so if you are ravenous, your previous meal was likely low in protein, healthy carbs, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. If your daily diet is consistently nutrient-low, you may feel hungry all day long. Personalized nutrition can eliminate your daily hunger pangs.
YOU TRULY ARE HUNGRY
If you are pregnant, an athlete who burns more calories than the average person, or you are engaged in more physical activity than the average day—your body may need more calories and nutrients than usual. If it’s a short-term increase in physical activity, such as surfing while on vacation, go ahead and eat another nutrient-rich meal. If you are pregnant or will have a long-term increase in physical activity personalized nutrition can give you the energy you require to make it through the day—also for strength and endurance.
YOU ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED
The average adult requires 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each evening. Without quality sleep your levels of appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin are higher, and your levels of the hormone that helps you feel full, leptin, are lower. These two factors lead to larger portion sizes, more frequent snacking, and a higher likelihood of selecting foods that are less than healthy.
These are just a handful of reasons you may feel hungry an hour or two after a meal. With a personalized nutrition plan you will feel full and have the energy to make it through to the next meal without feeling hungry. And yes, the food will taste good too!
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