You know how some days you always feel like you are not quite full, no matter how substantial your lunch was or how many protein bars you nibble on?
Many of us notice an uptick in our appetite if we have been training hard, if it is that time of the month or if (duh!) we are pregnant, which are all natural reasons for feeling hungrier than normal. But if none of these describe you at the moment, and you still feel like a bottomless pit, then maybe it is time to consider if something else might be up.
1. You're thirsty
Mild dehydration is often masked as hunger, even though what your body really needs is fluids. The problem begins in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates both appetite and thirst. When your body starts getting dehydrated, wires get crossed in the hypothalamus, making you to grab a chocolate bar when what you really need is a glass of water.
2. You're tired
Unfortunately, not enough sleep can lead to surging levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite in your brain. On top of that, feeling tired will also leave you feeling exhausted and as if your brain is "foggy", meaning you are far more likely to reach for foods that provide an instant shot of energy (usually things full of sugar carbs), even though you are not really hungry.
3. You're stressed out
Uh-oh! When you are stressed, your body ramps up production of "stress hormones" adrenaline and cortisol. Elevated levels of these, known to trigger the "fight or flight" response, will trick your body into thinking it is under attack and needs extra energy, meaning you end up feeling ravenous even when you are not.
4. You're not eating enough fat
If you are still thinking eating fat will make you fat, think again. Eating unsaturated fat is in fact linked to feelings of satiety, meaning when you don't eat enough of this, you won't feel full. Also, did we mention that eating enough good fats will do wonders for your skin??
5. You don't eat enough protein
It
is pretty logical, but eating more
will keep you full for longer. The trick is to fill up on the right foods. Lean protein will stay in your stomach longer and promote feelings of fullness, and will therefore help keep hunger pangs at bay.
6. You drink too much
Alcohol has a dehydrating effect, and will, as mentioned above, make you feel hungry even if you are not. As well as this, according to a small study published in the journal
Appetite, alcohol will directly help stimulate a feeling of hunger, making you more likely to consume foods higher in calories when you have been drinking.
7. You're addicted social media
There is no denying that Pinterest, Instagram and even Facebook is subjecting us to a lot of "food porn". Meaning, when you see a snap of your friend's delicious brunch on Facebook or follow a bunch of foodies on Instagram, chances are it will trigger a craving and make you want to eat too.
In fact, a 2012 study from the journal
Obesity found that just
looking at food cranked up levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone.
For more articles on wellness, nutrition and being your best and healthiest self, make sure you are our fan over on Pinterest too. 
