5 reasons why you are always hungry

There are two types of people: those who eat to live and those who live to eat. The latter focus on the enjoyment and taste of food and the culture around food. Think of Italians, French and Japanese, where food plays a central role in life, relationships and even business meetings. Americans love to eat and portion sizes in the US reflect this. Europeans are often amazed at the size of portions in American restaurants. But for some, it may not be enough and they feel like they could keep eating. Here are 5 reasons why you are always hungry.

Too much stress

Nearly 38% of adults report overeating or eating unhealthily in the past month due to stress. Half of these adults (49%) report engaging in these behaviors weekly or more often. Some stress-relieving activities include taking a walk, listening to relaxing music, or taking a long bath. Physical activity is a great way to distract your body while gently releasing endorphins.

Not enough sleep

Sleep is the best and only way to give your body some rest and regulate important hormones, such as those that regulate your hunger. A report from the American Heart Association found that the hormone gherlin, which regulates hunger, decreases when sleep is disturbed.

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Drinking too much alcohol or soda

Sodas and alcohol not only contain tons of calories, but they also change your body. Sodas contain a lot of corn syrup and fructose. When this compound is consumed, it blocks the brain's ability to recognize when you are full, tricking you into eating more even though you are full. Alcohol also tricks your brain into thinking you are hungry. A 2017 study found a link between alcohol consumption and certain brain neurons that trigger appetite. Think of alcohol as liquid cravings.

Photo by Dan Gold via Unsplash.

Breakfast is not filling enough

There's a reason why so much emphasis is placed on breakfast. The first meal of the day can predict how you'll eat the rest of the day. Several studies have proven that hearty foods in the morning increase the likelihood of eating healthily throughout the day. Additionally, people who ate less than 300 calories for breakfast gained more weight than those who ate 500 calories or more. Listen to your grandmother and eat a balanced breakfast in the morning.

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Not eating enough vegetables

Leafy greens (one of the most maligned foods around) contain vitamin K, a nutrient that helps regulate your insulin levels and control your cravings. People should consume about 120 micrograms of vitamin K daily, which comes from just one cup of kale.

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boredom

Have you ever noticed that when you have nothing to do, you always check what's in your fridge? According to a study, boredom is a major contributor to weight gain and causes people to overeat simply because they have nothing better to do.