Hungry all the time? Here’s why it’s a good thing (2024)

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Nutrition

Hungry all the time? Here’s why it’s a good thing (1)

Hungry all the time since you started working out? It's totally normal and this is why.

Ellie3 min read

Experiencing hunger is totally normal. Being an athlete comes with an appetite and the harder you train, the more you eat. But why? What happens within the body? And how can you prevent this from affecting your progress? Read more to find out.

Hunger is good

How many times have you said in an angry voice “why am I so hungry all the time”? Hunger is usually seen as the bad guy. But actually hunger is good. It’s a sign that your body is using your food as fuel, the way that it’s supposed to. And when you’re hungry, this means it needs more. So as long as you know the right things to eat and how to tell the difference between real hunger and just being bored, being hungry is definitely not a bad thing and you certainly shouldn’t ignore it.

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When your muscles are hungry, you’ll know

Weight lifting and strength training are likely to leave you with a big appetite afterwards. As your muscle tissue repairs, it cries out for food to help it regain strength. And the more muscle you have, the more hungry you are. So keep your fridge filled with healthy protein rich foods to keep the beasts at bay.

Hunger or dehydration?

If you’re used to training in summer, you might know the feeling of starvation after a sweaty workout. Approach this hunger with care because sometimes, it’s dehydration in disguise. When we sweat we lose sodium and this can cause us to develop cravings for sugar or salt. Next time you come home from a summer run, take a big drink of water before deciding what to eat. You might just find you weren’t so hungry after all.

Fear of overeating?

Of course hunger isn’t good if every time you’re hungry, you dive straight into unhealthy snacks and eat until you're full to bursting. Overeating is counter-productive, but it's also worth avoiding *undereating*. This will just leave you feeling hungry again in an hour.

It’s a mixture of quality, quantity, the right time and the right place. Choose nutritious, protein-rich foods to leave you feeling fuller for longer. It's also a good idea to work out right before a meal as this means you'll get even more from the afterburn effect.

Let's recap

Don’t expect your body to perform at its best if you don’t provide it with enough fuel. Set yourself up for success and download the Freeletics Nutrition app now.

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Hungry all the time? Here’s why it’s a good thing (4)

Written by

Ellie

Hungry all the time? Here’s why it’s a good thing (2024)

FAQs

Hungry all the time? Here’s why it’s a good thing? ›

But actually hunger is good. It's a sign that your body is using your food as fuel, the way that it's supposed to. And when you're hungry, this means it needs more.

Is it good to feel hungry all the time? ›

Constant hunger could be a sign of health conditions including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, depression and pregnancy. It's important to rule out medical conditions while addressing those hunger pangs. Looking for more nutrition advice and want to make an appointment with a registered dietitian?

Why hunger is a good thing? ›

We're never physically satisfied for a long period of time. This is the good side of hunger: it keeps us alive, moving, growing, and thriving.

Why is staying hungry good? ›

Fasting also gives you a surge of energy from adrenaline and cortisol, which can help you focus and perform better throughout your day. This is because whenever humans used to be hungry, it was important to perform our best in order to hunt down and secure food.

Why does being hungry make me feel good? ›

Control: Feeling hungry can give a sense of control over one's body and actions, particularly for individuals who are mindful of their eating habits and are consciously choosing when and what to eat. Physical Sensation: Some individuals might appreciate the physical sensation of hunge.

What happens if you stay hungry for too long? ›

Low blood sugar causes people to feel irritable, confused and fatigued. The body begins to increase production of cortisol, leaving us stressed and hangry. Skipping meals can also cause your metabolism to slow down, which can cause weight gain or make it harder to lose weight.

Why am I constantly hungry even after eating? ›

Often it's the result of an inadequate diet that lacks protein or fiber. However, it could be due to hormone issues, such as leptin resistance, or your daily lifestyle. If you often find yourself hungry after eating, try implementing some of the evidence-based suggestions above to help curb your appetite.

Who benefits from hunger? ›

Hungry people are the most productive people, especially where there is a need for manual labour. We in developed countries sometimes see poor people by the roadside holding up signs saying "Will Work for Food.” Actually, most people work for food.

Do humans think better when hungry? ›

If you fast and feel hungry for a short period, you might feel a little clearer in the head, And that can give you a little boost while memorizing something. But that is because the body wants you to be alert and find food.

Is it good to be hungry before bed? ›

Going to bed hungry can be safe as long as you're eating a well-balanced diet throughout the day. Avoiding late-night snacks or meals can actually help avoid weight gain and an increased BMI. If you're so hungry that you can't go to bed, you can eat foods that are easy to digest and promote sleep.

Does being hungry make you live longer? ›

Summary: The sensation of hunger itself may slow aging. Researchers discovered that flies induced to feel hungry, either through diet or brain stimulation, lived longer. They also found that hunger prompts changes in the brain's epigenome, affecting gene expression and consequently, feeding behavior and aging.

How often should you feel hungry in a day? ›

Physical Hunger – this is generally felt in the stomach area of your body. This will tend to occur every 3-4 hours after last eating. Sign of physical hunger are 'rumbling stomach', empty feeling, light headiness, dizziness and irritability.

What happens to your body when you are hungry and don t eat? ›

“In starvation mode, when your body finishes its preferred energy source (glucose), it will switch to burning fat (a state of ketosis),” Spina said. “As this fasting phase continues, it may also start breaking down protein in the form of muscle tissue, which can damage your kidneys.”

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