Why Am I Always Hungry? - The Fast 800 (2024)

Hunger is your body’s natural cue that it needs more food. It’s essential to be able to tell you that you need more nutrients.

The signs of hunger include feeling empty, a ‘growling’ stomach, irritability (otherwise known as being ‘hangry’), headaches or difficulty concentrating.

Though it is a healthy cue to tell your body it needs food, feeling hungry too often can lead to overeating, snacking, and unnecessary discomfort. There are many factors that may lead you to ask yourself ‘why am I always hungry?’ So, here are 5 reasons you may be experiencing excessive hunger, and what to do about it:

Why am I always hungry?

You’re not getting the right nutrients

Although you may feel you’re eating enough, if you aren’t getting the right nutrients you may feel more hungry after or between meals.

If you are eating too many refined carbs, and your diet is low in protein, fat, or fibre you may feel hungry more frequently as your body is craving what it really needs. This is why a Mediterranean-style diet is what we recommend, and is at the core of The Fast 800 Online Programme. Adding plenty of non-starchy vegetables to every meal will also help you to feel full and satisfied as they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals (we recommend filling half your plate with nutritious vegetables – as they’re so low in calories, there’s no need to count them in your day).

Our Online Programme can help ensure you’re getting the right nutrients to stay satiated between each meal, with delicious recipes and meal plans based on your recommended approach, to help prevent cravings throughout the day.

You’re not sleeping enough

Not getting enough sleep causes fluctuations in your appetite control. If you want to lose weight or get a handle on how often you feel hungry, start by looking at your sleep.

Two hormones impacted by sleep, leptin and ghrelin, work together to manage appetite. When sleep-deprived, leptin (a hormone that naturally reduces appetite) falls, while ghrelin (a hunger promoter) rises.[1]

Not only does sleep deprivation make you hungrier, but it also makes you crave worse food as it lowers your inhibitions, causing it to be more difficult to resist unhealthy food.[2] The nature of junk food also makes you more hungry, creating an endless cycle; it’s best to break it with a regular good night’s sleep.

You’re dehydrated

Sometimes, when you’re not drinking enough water, thirst can be mistaken for hunger. If you’re feeling a little peckish but have recently eaten, have a glass of water and reassess your own hunger levels.Not only can dehydration lead to hunger throughout the day, but it can also lead to eating more at mealtimes. A study of 14 people who drank 2 cups of water before a meal found that they ate 600 fewer calories than those who didn’t.[3]

Lastly, drinking alcohol famously dehydrates you, which not only causes those horrid head-aching hangovers, but is also known for its appetite-stimulating effects.[4]

You’re not eating mindfully

How many times have you raced through lunch while working, or eaten dinner in front of the TV, only to realise you’ve finished and you hadn’t even really processed the fact that you’d eaten it? Even if you consume a healthy, well-balanced meal with the right nutrients in it, if you’re distracted, your brain won’t have processed the meal in the same way.

According to a 2018 study, there is a link between the reduction of food cravings and the practice of mindful eating.[5] Using your senses to enjoy your food through sight, smell, texture and even sound can ensure you eat with your mind and your body, and will be less likely to feel hungry after a decent meal.

You’re eating too quickly

In one study involving 30 women, fast eaters consumed 10% more calories during a meal and reported significantly less fullness, compared with slow eaters.[6] The study ultimately found that eating slowly may help to maximise satiation after meals.

To summarise

If you need to tame your appetite, try starting with ensuring you’re getting good sleep, eating nutritious foods, and eating mindfully at a steady pace. If you’ve tried all that and you’re still struggling with excessive feelings of hunger, consult your doctor as there may be an underlying issue.

At The Fast 800, we’re passionate about ensuring everyone can have a satisfying and satiating diet. There’s really no need to feel hungry all the time, especially when eating healthy foods. Interested in starting your own journey? Find out more!

References Why Am I Always Hungry? - The Fast 800 (1)

Taheri S, Lin L, Austin D, Young T, Mignot E. Short sleep duration is associated with reduced leptin, elevated ghrelin, and increased body mass index. PLoS Med. 2004 Dec;1(3):e62. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0010062. Epub 2004 Dec 7. PMID: 15602591; PMCID: PMC535701.

Hanlon, E., et al., 2022. Sleep Restriction Enhances the Daily Rhythm of Circulating Levels of Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol. Accessed: National Library of Medicine

Corney RA, Sunderland C, James LJ. Immediate pre-meal water ingestion decreases voluntary food intake in lean young males. Eur J Nutr. 2016 Mar;55(2):815-819. doi: 10.1007/s00394-015-0903-4. Epub 2015 Apr 18. PMID: 25893719.

Yeomans MR. Alcohol, appetite and energy balance: is alcohol intake a risk factor for obesity? Physiol Behav. 2010 Apr 26;100(1):82-9. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.01.012. Epub 2010 Jan 22. PMID: 20096714.

Dunn, C., et al. 2018, Mindfulness Approaches and Weight Loss, Weight Maintenance, and Weight Gain.Accessed: National Library of Medicine

Andrade AM, Greene GW, Melanson KJ. Eating slowly led to decreases in energy intake within meals in healthy women. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008 Jul;108(7):1186-91. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2008.04.026. PMID: 18589027.

Why Am I Always Hungry? - The Fast 800 (2024)

FAQs

Why Am I Always Hungry? - The Fast 800? ›

The Fast 800 website says if you are eating too many refined carbs, and your diet is low in protein, fat, or fibre, you may feel hunger more frequently as your body is craving what it needs. Refined carbs are carbs that include sugar and refined grains that have been stripped of all bran, fibre and nutrients.

Why does fasting make me hungrier? ›

Notably, intermittent fasting could lead to an individual feeling hungrier than usual which could result in them breaking the fast (i.e., eating during the fasting period) and, in turn, this might promote dietary disinhibition [17].

How to stop hunger during fasting? ›

Drinking plenty of water (you can also drink diluted juice or raw, organic apple cider vinegar if you're a beginner or want to feel more comfortable) will significantly reduce your hunger pangs and discomfort. If you feel hungry while fasting, just guzzle a half-gallon of water, and that hunger will be GONE instantly.

How much weight can you lose in 12 weeks on fast 800? ›

It's important to remember that individual results can vary significantly, and it's always crucial to **consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially one as restrictive as the Fast 800**. * **Studies have shown an average weight loss of 10.5kg (23.1 lbs) after 12 weeks on the Fast 800**.

Why am I always hungry for fast food? ›

Getting enough sleep is often overlooked when we discuss junk food cravings. However, research has demonstrated that the more sleep-deprived we are, the more hungry we feel. On top of this, when we are tired, we are much more likely to crave and eat energy-dense, sugar, and fat-filled junk foods than healthy snacks.

Can I break my fast if I'm really hungry? ›

Severe thirst and grave hunger are both valid reasons not to fast, but not just any kind of acute thirst or hunger. If one really believes that the continuation of their fast will physically harm them because they are suffering from severe thirst or hunger, then it is permissible for them to break fast.

Why am I getting so hungry so fast? ›

Takeaway. Excessive hunger may be a sign that your body needs more food. However, it may also be caused by some lifestyle and dietary habits, such as eating a low nutrient diet, eating too quickly, and being stressed. Some medical conditions and medications may also cause frequent hunger.

How do I stop being hungry fast? ›

12 Science-Based Ways to Reduce Hunger and Appetite
  1. Eat protein.
  2. Eat fiber.
  3. Drink water.
  4. Choose solid foods.
  5. Eat mindfully.
  6. Eat slowly.
  7. Reduce plate size.
  8. Exercise.
Jun 3, 2024

What kills hunger without eating? ›

How can I suppress my appetite without eating?
  • Visualise the food you're craving.
  • Get enough good quality sleep.
  • Use bigger cutlery and smaller plates.
  • Practice mindful eating.
  • Stress less.
  • Stay hydrated.
Nov 9, 2021

How do you make your hunger go down fast? ›

Instead, eating more of the right foods can help reduce hunger and food cravings throughout the day. People can suppress their appetite by including more protein, fat, and fiber in their meals. Consuming more vegetables and pulses can make a person feel fuller for longer.

What is the most extreme diet to lose weight? ›

10 Extreme Weight Loss Methods from History
  • Cigarette Diet. In the 1920s, doctors prescribed the cigarette diet to curb hunger while trying to lose weight. ...
  • Chewing Diet. ...
  • Avoiding Swamps Diet. ...
  • Cotton Ball Diet. ...
  • Drinking Man's Diet. ...
  • Graham Diet. ...
  • Slimming Soaps Diet. ...
  • Tapeworm Diet.
Jan 23, 2023

What not to eat on a fast 800 diet? ›

Try to avoid snacks, especially on fasting days, but if required, have some non-starchy veg, a sliver of cheese or some berries. Alternatively, nuts are a great source of protein, fibre and micronutrients - just avoid salted or sweetened nuts, which can be moreish and easy to overeat.

How do I stop feeling hungry when fasting? ›

8 food hacks to help you reduce hunger while fasting
  1. Eat more protein. ...
  2. Eat more fat. ...
  3. Eat fewer simple carbohydrates. ...
  4. Drink more water. ...
  5. Try sparkling water. ...
  6. Drink more coffee. ...
  7. Limit or avoid alcohol. ...
  8. Chew sugar-free gum.
Oct 20, 2023

What should I eat if I'm always hungry? ›

The ones that curb hunger best are high in protein -- like lean meats, fish, or dairy products -- or high in fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Healthy fats like those found in nuts, fish, and sunflower oil can lower your cholesterol levels.

Why am I hungry but don't want to eat? ›

Mental health ailments like depression or anxiety can stunt your appetite, leading you to feel hungry but without an appealing food option. Even when you're stressed in the short term—say, about an upcoming presentation—you may notice feeling hungry but not having an appetite for anything.

Why has my appetite increased after fasting? ›

According to research, leptin levels can rapidly decline in the fasted state and one possible result of this is an increase in appetite. One study reviewing leptin's role in weight loss has also found that this rapid fall in response to fasting may push people toward overeating.

Are you hungrier with a fast metabolism? ›

That's because the faster your metabolism is, the more you need to eat to feel full. It may not seem like a super common problem, but about 32% of people have high metabolisms. There aren't many healthy ways to slow your metabolism, unfortunately.

Why do I crave when fasting? ›

Intermittent fasting can lead to changes in ghrelin and leptin levels. This impacts how and when you feel hungry. Initially, increased ghrelin levels during fasting windows can cause heightened hunger sensations. Over time, however, the body adapts to these changes.

Do you get hungry faster if you eat fast? ›

Eating a meal slowly causes people to feel less hungry later on, according to a study released today in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Researchers have long wondered about the relationship between the eating speed and body weight.

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