Are you always hungry?
Like the kind of hungry where you eat a meal and then an hour later your stomach is growling and you’re watching the clock in preparation for your next meal?
The kind of hungry that stays around pretty much all day?
The kind of hungry where you’re never really full or satiated?
I’ve been there and it totally sucks.
I don’t like being hungry. I don’t like feeling deprived.
Chances are you don’t either.
If this is you, keep reading. I’ve got 3 reasons why you may feel hungry all the time.
3 Reasons Why You’re Always Hungry
1. You’re not eating enough protein.
If you find you always seem to be hungry, look at your protein first.
Chances are, you either aren’t getting enough or you aren’t getting enough of the right kind.
Adults should be getting anywhere from 90 grams of protein to upwards of 150 grams.
This, of course, depends on a few factors: your age, your gender, your activity level, and your goals.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure you’re getting at least 30-50 grams of protein with each meal, especially your breakfast.
Eating a high protein breakfast will help set you up for the rest of the day.
Where to get good quality protein:
- Meat. Quality matters here. Make sure your meat is as clean and high quality as possible. Look for grass fed, grass finished beef and pasture raised chicken and turkey.
- Eggs. Again, quality matters here. Look for pasture raised eggs.
- Nuts, Beans and Legumes. If you’re plant based, you can absolutely get enough protein. You just have to be intentional with what you’re eating.
- Protein powder. You probably know what I’m going to say here: quality matters. There are a lot of junk protein powders on the market, full of garbage ingredients and disguised as a health supplement. There are a few brands I’ll use. Four Sigmatic is my go-to though. I’ve used their products for years. Here’s a code for $20 off if you want to give them a try. I actually have a subscription (makes it cheaper and it just shows up).
2. You’re not eating enough fiber.
If you’re always hungry and you’re sure you’re eating enough protein, check your fiber intake.
Most people don’t get nearly enough fiber.
Even so-called “health nuts.”
Aim for around 25 grams of fiber a day.
Where does fiber come from?
The plant kingdom.
You don’t get fiber from meat. Let me repeat that…you don’t get fiber from meat.
So, load up on your fruits and veggies. They’re packed with fiber.
Not only will fiber keep you full, but it also helps keep your digestive tract healthy and clean.
3. You’re not eating enough calories.
If you’re always hungry and you know you’re getting enough protein and fiber, you may not be eating enough calories. Period.
Gone are the days of “1200 calories a day” approaches to health and weight loss.
If you’re still doing this, please stop. I beg you. Your body begs you.
If you’re trying to lose weight, you won’t get very far on 1200 calories a day.
At least not for long.
It isn’t sustainable, and you’re actually reprogramming your metabolism (not in your favor).
Bumping up your caloric intake a bit can actually promote weight loss.
Yep, you read that right.
Eating more can actually help you lose weight.
AND you won’t be hungry all the time.
It’s a win-win.
Conclusion
If you’re hungry all the time, making some simple shifts in your protein, fiber and calories will most likely do the trick.
Here’s a recap:
- 30-50 grams of protein with each meal, especially breakfast
- 25 grams of fiber a day (eat more plants)
- ditch the 1200 calorie days
A great way to pack in protein, fiber and a ton of nutrients is by incorporating smoothies into your day. I drink a smoothie every single day. I still can’t believe how healthy AND delicious they are…it’s like a treat every morning.
Need some help building the perfect smoothie? Check out my free smoothie guide. It’s all you need to get started creating healthy and delicious smoothies.
I’d love for you to leave a comment and let me know if these tips work for you.
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