In our fast-paced lives today, eating can sometimes become an afterthought. While we certainly consume food regularly, we are often not mindful of what we are eating. We often choose food based on our moods and convenience rather than their nutritional value. If our diet is not monitored well, our overall lifestyle can also be affected. However, your appetite can be an indicator that something is off. Just as lowered appetite can be a red flag, an increased appetite may also signal that you need to make some changes. Do you tend to feel hungry always, although you eat well? Do you find it difficult to fully satisfy your hunger pangs despite having regular meals? Celebrity nutritionist Lovneet Batra recently posted about this issue on her Instagram page. She has cited 7 possible reasons for having an "endless appetite".
Also Read: Nutritionist Reveals 10 Easy Ways To Curb Sugar Cravings - Find Out What They Are
Here Are 7 Reasons Why You Always Feel Hungry, According To A Nutritionist:
1. Low Protein Intake
According to Lovneet Batra, protein "works by increasing the production of hormones that signal fullness and reducing the levels of hormones that stimulate hunger." Hence, your increased appetite may be explained by the fact that you are not getting sufficient protein. You can increase your protein intake by consuming more dairy products, lentils, eggs and lean meats. If you are on a weight loss diet, check out this list of low-cal, high-protein foods. Find a list of protein-rich snacks here.
Eggs are rich in protein. Photo Credit: Istock
2. Lack Of Sleep
Sleeping "helps regulate ghrelin, the appetite-stimulating hormone," says the nutritionist. Hence if you don't get enough sleep or if your sleep tends to be disturbed, you might find yourself hungrier than usual. Furthermore, research suggests that sleep issues can also lead to junk food cravings. Sleep and food are deeply interrelated. The foods you eat before bedtime can affect the quality of your sleep too. Read more about this here.
Also Read: How To Lose Weight And Not Gain It Back? Rujuta Diwekar Explains
3. Low Intake Of Fibre
According to the nutritionist, high-fibre foods can boost "the production of short-chain fatty acids, which causes the body to feel satiated." Those wanting to lose weight are often advised to increase their fibre intake. Wondering why? This helps control cravings and reduces the chances of binge eating. Here are a few fibre-rich veggies you should add to your diet. Click here.
4. High Consumption Of Refined Carbs
Foods with refined carbs lack fibre and cause blood sugar fluctuations, points out Lovneet. What you need to do is choose foods rich in fibre that make you feel full for longer. Such a diet can not only help regulate blood sugar levels but also avoid digestive issues such as constipation.
There are many ways to ensure you follow a high-fibre diet. Read more about this here.
5. Tendency To "Drink Your Calories"
According to the nutritionist, "Liquids pass through your stomach more quickly" and hence they "do not have as great an impact on the suppression of hunger-promoting hormones." It is important to stay adequately hydrated and hot weather may make you feel more inclined towards liquids. However, remember that drinks must not replace food, only complement them. Even when it comes to 'healthy drinks' like fruit juices, note that eating the fruit will provide you with more fibre.
6. High Levels Of Stress
Stress is known to increase cortisol levels in the body. "This hormone has been shown to promote hunger and food cravings," explains Lovneet. Similar to disturbed sleep, a stressful lifestyle can increase your appetite, especially for unhealthy foods. It can also make you less mindful of your diet.
7. Other Medical Conditions
Excessive hunger can be a symptom of conditions such as depression, anxiety and premenstrual syndrome, writes the nutritionist. However, in this case, increased appetite will just be one indicator among others. Hence, multiple factors have to be taken into account.
Having a good appetite can be a sign of a healthy lifestyle. However, incessant hunger may be due to one or more of the reasons explained above. Now you know what to keep in mind.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute a for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.