If you find yourself hungry more often than you usually do, it can be problematic, to say the least. What seems like insatiable hunger can lead to more frequent snacking, grazing, out-of-control portion sizes, and serious overeating in general. While it’s normal to be extra hungry every once in a while, especially if you’re more active, a chronically increased appetite during adulthood can be problematic and may lead to unnecessary weight gain, putting you more at risk for depleted energy, serious diseases, inflammation, and pain. These tips can help you take the right approach to get your appetite back under control.
1. Increase Your Water Intake
Many times, people mistake their body’s thirst cues for hunger. Not only does drinking enough water keep you hydrated and functioning at your best, but it also helps your body feel fuller. In general, you should aim to consume around 64 ounces of water every single day, although some people may need more if they have a larger body size or participate in an intense workout. Either way, making sure you’re drinking enough is often the first step in maintaining a healthy appetite level.
2. Eat More Satiating Foods
When you’re hungry, you may be more likely to crave foods that seem initially satisfying but don’t stay in your digestive system long enough to keep you full. Refined sugars and simple carbs are some of the worst offenders, leaving you wanting more not long in the near future. Instead, fill up with complex carbohydrates, lean protein, healthy fats, and natural fiber. These nutrients help keep you satiated for much longer while also nourishing your body. You can also add in some supplements, like those you’ll find in the thrive patch, to help keep hunger at bay while giving your body an extra dose of supportive vitamins and minerals.
3. Consume Smaller Meals Throughout the Day
If you find it difficult to make it from one meal to the next, you may want to rethink your eating strategy. Instead of consuming three large meals a day, you may find it more satisfying to eat five or six smaller ones throughout the day. Without waiting so long before you eat again, you can help keep your blood sugar levels more stable without giving your hunger the chance to get out of control.
4. Focus On Your Foods
Multitasking can be a good thing, but not when it comes to eating. If you are distracted when you eat because you’re working on your computer, watching TV, or scrolling through your phone, you’re much less likely to enjoy your food. Instead, your brain is focused on the other activity and may not process hunger and fullness cues appropriately. When you eat, minimize distractions and savor every bite for better satisfaction.
5. See Your Doctor
An increased appetite is normal in most situations, especially if it evens out over the course of a few days. However, if the problem is significant or persists, you may want to see a medical professional and find out exactly what causes an increased appetite in your unique situation. There are dozens of reasons you could be feeling more hungry than normal, and while some are minor, others can require intervention, monitoring, or treatment, including:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Thyroid issues
- Mental health problems
- Hormonal imbalances
- Chronic or elevated stress
If you’ve made changes to stay hydrated and eat a well-rounded diet and hunger is still an issue, make an appointment with a physician.
Hunger strikes everyone in unexpected ways from time to time. It’s normal to overeat on rare occasions. However, consistently eating too much of what your body doesn’t need and not enough of what it does can affect your health in the long run. Takes steps to nourish your body the right way so you can feel more satisfied with the meals you choose on a schedule that works for your body and your unique needs.
