Why am I always hungry?

I think I eat well, so why am I hungry all the time!?

We hear this - a lot.

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There can be a number of reasons why this might be happening.

Read on.

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1.      It may simply be that you haven't eaten in a while

If it has been several hours since your last meal or snack, it is normal to feel hungry.  You need regular food to function properly.  

When you go too long without eating, blood glucose levels may drop, which in turn is a signal to your brain that you need some fuel, leading to hunger.  

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2.      You're not eating enough

If you are not consuming enough calories or nutrients throughout the day, your body may send hunger signals to let you know that it needs more fuel.  

So just because you are eating, if it's not enough, you may find yourself feeling unsatisfied and thinking about food what feels like ALL THE TIME!

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3.     The foods that your choosing may not be very sustaining

Some foods are more filling and satisfying than others. If you are eating mostly processed or refined foods that are low in fiber and protein, you may feel hungry more often.

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4.      You need more water

Dehydration and thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger, so keep up those fluids.

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5.      You're stressed or emotional

Stress and emotions can have an impact on appetite.  Some people find it hard to eat when they are stressed, but for others, stress can ramp up the appetite and motivation to eat, even if the body doesn't actually need food.

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6.      There is an underlying medical reason

Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes, can cause increased hunger as a symptom.  Some women may also feel extra hungry when they are pre-menstrual.

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What can you do?

If you find that you are feeling hungry frequently or are experiencing other symptoms, it may be a good idea to talk to your GP to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

You should also seek advice from an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (like us!!) to get tailored advice on what changes you could make to your diet to improve satiety.

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