What to Eat if You're Always Hungry

Oct 7 2015
https://d2gtpjxvvd720b.cloudfront.net/assets/emails/question@2x-a02b76db47a4ac32799e8b19315b3cbf.png Dear Hungry Girl,

I've been trying to lose weight for the last few months, but I've run into a problem... I'm always hungry, even right after I eat. What should I be doing to stay satisfied without going overboard in the calorie department?

Not Feeling Full
https://d2gtpjxvvd720b.cloudfront.net/assets/emails/answer@2x-5ee5d524b01e4c5483f379894f2fa825.png Hi NFF,

I'm really glad you emailed... It's definitely possible to lose weight without feeling famished all the time. I love food, and I'm all about finding ways to enjoy a lot of it while still fitting into my pants! Here are my top five strategies...

1. AEB: Always Eat Breakfast. There's a reason it's called breakfast... You're literally breaking the fast you began after dinner the night before. If you go about your day without refueling in the a.m., you'll be super hungry before lunch. Do you tend to avoid breakfast due to lack of time in the morning? Have premade options on hand, like these bake-ahead breakfasts. If the problem is that you aren't hungry first thing in the morning, take something substantial with you for mid-morning: This Cherry-Vanilla Super Yogurt is perfect.

2. Protein + Fiber. If you're still hungry right after a meal, chances are you're not getting enough of the right nutrients. Both protein and fiber are very filling, and they're so satisfying when paired together. Build your meal around lean protein: egg whites, fat-free Greek yogurt, skinless chicken breast, pouched albacore tuna, etc. Then fill it out with high-fiber foods like veggies and whole grains. A dose of healthy fats is also great for satiety: almonds, avocado, olive oil, etc.

3. Supersize. Big portions are filling, but they often come with big calorie counts. That's why I like to supersize my portions with high-volume, low-calorie foods. Take this recipe for slow-cooker taco meat: By adding lots of meaty chopped mushrooms, you get a larger serving for hardly any extra calories. If you supersize your meals and snacks with foods like these, you're likely to feel fuller for longer. Click here for more supersizing secrets...

4. Pack Emergency Snacks. Sometimes, no matter what we eat at mealtime, we get hungry before our next meal. It happens. But rather than fall prey to those vending machine snacks or pastries in the break room, be prepared with smart snacks. My top emergency snack picks are Fuji apples, jerky, and single-serve tuna pouches. Keep some in your bag and in your desk drawer. For tons more emergency-snack info, check this out.

5. Walk and Water. Okay, these are really two strategies, but they go really well together. Sometimes, we only think we're hungry. One reason? It takes a while for your brain to get the message that your stomach is full; so go for a short walk (5 - 10 minutes) before going back for seconds. It's also common to confuse hunger with thirst; so if you find yourself feeling crazy hungry, swig some water, and see if that helps. When in doubt, grab a water bottle, and sip while you stroll!

One more thing... If you're looking for a weight-loss plan that'll never leave you feeling hungry, check out The Hungry Girl Diet. The entire philosophy is that it's possible to lose weight without depriving yourself of large and delicious portions of your favorite foods. And the follow-up book, The Hungry Girl Diet Cookbook, is chock-full of healthy recipes that were created with hungry people like you and me in mind. (Don't believe me? Check this out: Two slices of meatloaf and a cup of mashed potatoes for 334 calories!)

Chew on this:

You guys... Today, October 7th, is National Kale Day. It's also the start of pomegranate season, which means you should definitely make this kale-pom salad ASAP!

You know you're not the only one who's hungry... Click "Send to a Friend!"

Have a Question for Hungry Girl?

Send it in! She answers new Qs each week (but cannot respond to emails personally).

Social

We may receive affiliate compensation from some of these links. Prices and availability are subject to change.

We may have received free samples of food, which in no way influences whether these products are reviewed favorably, unfavorably, mentioned with indifference, or mentioned at all. Click for more about our editorial and advertising policies.

*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.

Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.

Hungry Girl provides general information about food and lifestyle. This information and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Click here for more information.