Protein and fiber help keep you feeling full and satisfied. If your meals lack these nutrients, you might feel hungry more frequently.
Poor sleep can disrupt hormone levels, particularly ghrelin (which stimulates appetite) and leptin (which suppresses appetite). This imbalance can lead to increased feelings of hunger.
Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help you stay hydrated and reduce feelings of hunger.
Stress can trigger emotional eating, causing some individuals to turn to food as a coping mechanism even when they're not physically hungry.
Skipping meals or following very low-calorie diets can lead to increased hunger. Your body may respond by signaling hunger to ensure it receives adequate nutrients.
Healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, contribute to satiety. Not including enough healthy fats in your diet may lead to increased hunger.
Processed foods that are high in refined sugars and low in nutrients can lead to rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, causing hunger soon after eating.
Certain medical conditions or medications can affect appetite and hunger. Conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or medications such as steroids might increase hunger.