Why am I always hungry? (Even after I eat!)
“Why am I always hungry?” It’s a common concern along with its corollary, “I eat all the time.”
These can be frustrating issues when you are trying to shed some weight. This constant hunger can make you feel like your body is at war with your mind. Although you want to lose weight, your physical hunger wants to be fed. All. The. Time.
Let’s look at seven reasons for this constant hunger along with some simple tips to solve it so you can release weight.
You’re not actually hungry
You might not actually be hungry when you feel hungry. No, this isn’t a contradiction. There are two things that our brain often mixes up for hunger: thirst and fatigue.
Thirst
Sometimes, thirst is easy to identify—dry mouth, dry lips, generally feeling thirsty. Other times, it’s not as strong and your mind can interpret it as hunger. So, when you are feeling hungry, try a glass of water.
Even mild dehydration can be damaging for the body. Read more here: Is Drinking Water Really THAT Important? If you need help drinking more water on a daily basis, I’ve got six tips for you here in this post.
Fatigue
When we are tired, we are short on energy. Our body is searching for energy. Of course, one of the primary ways we get energy is from food. So it is logical that when we are tired, we feel hungrier.
Did you know that when someone is short on sleep, they eat an average of 385 more calories in a day!? If you are having a hard time getting the sleep your body needs (either falling asleep, staying asleep or making time for it) sign up for my free 5-day email series, Jumpstart into Refreshing Sleep and Rest.
Stress increases your hunger
When you are under stress, specific nutrients and energy are required for the body to respond to that stress. In addition to needing more micro-nutrients (like B-vitamins, vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals) you also need increased healthy fats like omega-3s, and protein. Your body communicates these physiologic needs through hunger, and sometimes, through specific cravings. If you need to lower your stress levels, check my homepage for strategies to soothe stress.
Emotional Eating
Have you noticed that you tend to get hungry right after something triggers strong emotions? Happy, sad, mad, worried, anything—and the next thing you know, you really want to eat something. Usually that “something” is a carbohydrate and either very sweet or salty.
There’s a reason we have a category of food labeled “comfort food.” No, it might not be an official classification like carbs, fats, or protein, but a quick query on Google or Pinterest reveals that it IS a true category!
We crave specific foods when we are emotional. This might make you think you are hungry, but it is an emotional craving unrelated to true hunger.
Identifying this as an emotional “hunger” and stopping yourself from eating are two different things. I cannot tell you what will work for you in this situation. Identifying your need to meet an emotional need is the first step. The next step is to figure out how to meet this need without food. Would journalling help? Or a hug? Or a phone call to a friend? You DO need something, but it’s not food.
Not being present
We all know that diet and exercise play a role in health and weight. Of course they do. BUT, there are other factors as well. One of them is staying present while you eat. When you eat on the go, you typically eat more, chew less, and eat lesser quality foods. Even worse, your brain doesn’t get the “I’m full” signal very well from your stomach. This can lead to overeating because you think you are still hungry.
To change this, start by sitting down. Next, use your senses to fully enjoy the meal. Slow down. Chew well. Focus on your food and the people around you, not on a screen. Doing these things allows your stomach and brain to communicate better so that you get the “I’m full” signal.
“Diet” pop/soda
Foods labeled “diet” are generally unhealthy. The very title is designed to mislead you into buying them in an effort to be healthier. Diet pop, in particular, is harmful to your hunger. {Sidenote: I’m in Minnesota. We say pop. You might call it soda.} Your body tastes that artificial sweetness which communicates to your brain that energy is coming. In this trick of diet pop, there is not any energy (calories) so your body turns on the “hunger switch” causing you to seek calories from food.
Medical causes for hunger
Perhaps none of the above reasons fit you and your story. There are medical reasons people feel hungry all the time. These would need an appointment with your medical provider for further investigation. The two most common medical reasons are diabetes and thyroid problems.
Simple steps are the most effective
What is the reason for hunger that you most identify with? Comment below and share this post on your favorite platform using the buttons on the left side of your screen. Start releasing weight through better sleep by starting the Jumpstart into Refreshing Sleep and Rest today.
