Hunger is a natural mechanism of the body that indicates when you should eat. And the food cravings are called hunger pangs. Some people can easily wait for hours in between their meals and on the other hand some people get frequent cravings.
Although hunger pangs is a sign to have food, that doesn’t mean it is the actual need to eat. You can experience hunger pangs when your stomach is empty, and your body requires food. Or it could be just the routine that the body follows, such as eating at a specific time. There is no hard and fast rule for hunger pangs, it varies from person to person.
In this article, we will share some of the possible causes of the frequent hunger pangs and some good food choices to prevent these hunger pangs.
Why Do You Get Hunger Pangs Frequently?
A hunger pangs can indicate that your body needs nutrients. Here are some of the common causes for hunger pangs.
Protein Deficient Diet
Protein helps in regulating hunger hormones and controlling appetite. So, when you don’t consume enough protein you often get hunger pangs. If you are unable to get sufficient protein from your food alone, you can include quality protein powders such as Amway protein powder, MuscleBlaze protein powder or any other protein powder of your choice in your diet.
No Proper Sleep Routine
Do hunger pangs hit you even after having a full course meal? Are you getting enough sleep? If not, then blame it on the sleep deprivation. According to a study, lack of sleep causes increased caloric intake. The study showed that sleep deprivation initiates the process of poor food choices, overeating and leads to weight gain.
Diet Low In Fat
If you don’t consume an adequate amount of fat in your diet, this can make you feel the need to eat more frequently. It is because consuming good fats can help in slowing down the process of digestion while increasing the fullness-inducing hormone levels. You can include vegan peanut butter in your regular diet that is low in fat and makes you feel full for a longer time, and saves you from eating junk.
Not Drinking Sufficient Water
Water not only hydrates the body but also has got some appetite reducing properties. By not drinking enough water you are more likely to feel hungry most of the time.
Consuming More Refined Carbs
Refined carbs like white flour, white bread, carbonated drinks and pasta lack dietary fibres which can fluctuate the blood sugar levels while making you feel hungry frequently.
Stress
Stress is also one of the major reasons for overeating or making you feel hungry often in response to counter it.
Doing Too Much Exercise
People who perform high intensity workouts or exercise for longer durations have good metabolism and bigger appetite. This can also be the reason behind the frequent hunger pangs.
These are some of the main reasons behind the hunger pangs. But you can make the hunger episodes healthy by opting for healthy eating choices. Below are some of the best food options to keep the hunger pangs at bay.
Best Food Options To Prevent Hunger Pangs
- Oats
- Eggs
- Paneer
- Legumes
- Fish
- Boiled Potato
- Quinoa
- Nuts
- Dark Chocolate
So, these are the best healthy food pics for hunger pangs. Food items mentioned above are not only satiating but also offer various health benefits. Make sure to include these nutritious foods in your diet to prevent hunger pangs.
Conclusion
Hunger pangs have become more common these days and one of the best ways to deal with it is to follow a healthy lifestyle; eat on time, sleep on time and include workout or exercise in your daily routine.
How do you deal with your hunger pangs? Feel free to share with us in the comments section below.
