Do you often feel hungry, even though you just polished off a tasty dinner? Sometimes it takes your body a little longer to recognise that you’re full, but there are also other factors that contribute to your increased appetite. Here, Kayla Itsines shares five reasons why you’re still hungry, even if you’ve just eaten.
5 reasons why you’re still hungry after eating dinner
You Skipped Breakfast
If you skipped breakfast, or didn’t have enough of it, your blood sugar levels have probably spiked a few times throughout the day. This may leave you feeling hungry and craving food. The trick is to make sure you are eating a big breakfast, filled with wholegrains and protein. This will help to keep you feeling full throughout the WHOLE day!
You Drink Soft Drinks
Drinking sodas, juices and other drinks that are high in sugar can reduce blood flow to the part of the brain that regulates our appetite. Fructose, in particular, can trick your brain into thinking that your body needs more food, when you have already eaten. It does this by slowing down the body’s ability to use leptin, a hormone that lets us know when we are full. So skip the soft drinks, especially at meal times, as they are essentially empty calories and provide you with no nutritional benefit.
You Are Dehydrated
Sometimes we may be dehydrated and not even know it. If you are slightly dehydrated you will feel the same way as when you are hungry, and most of the time it is hard to tell between the two. If you are still feeling hungry after dinner, try drinking a glass of water and see how you feel in 15 minutes.
You Didn’t Eat Your Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens and swiss chard are rich in folate, which helps to protect against weight gain and fatigue. They are also high in Vitamin K, which helps to banish food cravings by regulating blood sugar levels. Making sure to eat your greens will fill you up and also provide your body with tons of nutrients.
You’re Bored
Sometimes you are not really hungry, just bored. If you have eaten a satisfying dinner consisting of whole grains, protein and salad then you should be feeling pretty satisfied. However if you are bored you may feel “hungry” because you are looking for a distraction and something to do. My tip is to go for a short walk after dinner, it will help encourage digestion and get you out of the house! If you can’t go for a walk find an activity that will occupy your hands such as painting your nails, reading a book or organising your room.
I hope some of these tips may help you!
Kayla xx
* Results may vary. Strict adherence to the nutrition and exercise guide are required for best results.
