Abraham Maslow was most definitely right when he listed food as a basic human need. Food is one surefire means of survival, its necessity is primal and it is a good source of nutrients for the body. There are numerous advantages of food, ranging from a great source of nutrients for the body, to providing the body with the requisite energy it needs, helping to regulate and maintain body functions, cleansing the body thereby making you feel refreshed and revitalized, and helping to prevent and fight diseases. Interestingly, foods have a socializing undertone as they are good way to hang out with family, friends, colleagues and partners.
Although, foods are a good way to satisfy our craving nudges and taste buds, however, there are foods that increase one’s cravings and whets one’s appetite thereby making one feel hungrier than before. Here are a list of top foods that are not really satisfying, rather make you feel hungrier than you actually were.
1. Chewing Gum
Chewing of gums have become habitual to some, particularly as a way to douse their hunger, little do they know that they are actually aggravating their hunger. Chewing gums are hunger triggers, according to a study conducted by Penn State University, it revealed that chewing gum stimulates the gastric juices, leading to an increase production of saliva from the mouth, which goes into the stomach, thereby giving the feeling that there’s food going in, when in actual fact, there isn’t. Therefore, if you ever feel the nudge to chew on something, opt for almonds or walnuts. Not only are they filling, they are also a healthy alternative.
2. Apple
Apple can be a smart choice for a quick snack, however, it should not be the only thing you chomp on during the day. Although healthy, food experts have recommended that apples should never be taken when one is starving. Rather, add foods rich in protein such as peanut/almond butter, cheese to it.
3. Soda
Sodas are one of the most popular beverages in the United States as most residents have a habit of drinking sodas whenever they are thirsty. However, sodas can make one feel hungrier than they actually are. The high sugar content of sodas lead to an increased food craving. Studies have shown that people who regularly drink soda consume more calories in a day. Some scientists are of the opinion that soda makes one feel hungry, while another school of thought believe that soda makes one’s sweet tooth even sweeter. Whatever existential opinion about soda there is, water still remains the best option for quenching one’s thirst.
4. French Fries
Did you know that a plain baked potato is healthy? Yes, it is! Salting and frying your potatoes in oil can make them lose most of their nutrients. An addition of ketchup to it only makes it worse. The higher the salt content in your potatoes, the higher the risk of dehydration, which can be mistaken for hunger, thereby leading you to eating more than you naturally would. If you ever crave for potatoes, baking them should be your best bet as it not only satisfies the hunger, it also increases the fibre in your body system.
5. Cereal
Cereal can be a healthy meal option if you make the right choice. Sadly, many popular cereals have high sugar content and a low amount of dietary fibre. Cereals with artificial sweeteners can be a really bad choice for you. So, when next you go on a shopping spree and you see a cereal labelled ‘reduced sugar’, ensure you steer clear. Artificially sweetened foods can affect the body, making you feel hungrier than you really are. This can be due to the fact that when the body gets the sweetened taste without the calories, it still craves for the calories.
6. Croissant
Croissants can make your breakfast routine extra special. They are fluffy, flaky and buttery. However, while they have an amazing taste and provide you an ecstatic feeling, croissants score really low on the satiety index, a measure of how well a food satisfies hunger. Croissant increases your calories, without satisfying the feeling of hunger. Experts therefore suggest replacing croissant sandwiches with a poached egg on a whole-grain toast.
7. Fruit Juice
Fruits are highly beneficial, however, a removal of the fibre during the juicing process leaves you with just a sugary drink. The unavailability of fibre in your food increases your feeling of hunger and makes you less energetic. Hence, instead of having fruit juice, it is advisable you opt for a healthy smoothie where the whole fruits are blended.
8. White Bread
If toast is a standard breakfast for you every morning, then white bread would be your ally. This is not so good as it leaves you feeling hungrier since white flour has been processed to remove the bran, which takes away most of the filling fibre content of your toast. White bread also has a high glycemic index score, meaning you will get a sudden spike of energy and then feel exhausted, thereby leaving you in wanton for more. Breads that are whole wheat or grain are a better and healthier choice, as they have more fibre content which means they will be digested at a slower pace, hence, leaving you fuller for a long period of time.
9. Doughnut
Doughnuts are basically loaded with sugar and have zero nutritional value. The white flour breaks down quickly into sugar, gives you a sudden boost of energy, but makes you feel exhausted and craving for more.
10. Granola Bar
It is not rocket science that the sweet taste of a granola bar can make you feel hungrier rather than fuller. Sweeteners only make you feel hungry for more, except they are adequately paired with protein or fibre. This is why you may feel great one hour after eating a granola bar, and then exhausted the next hour.
11. Chips and Pretzel
Occasionally munching on chips and pretzels may not be bad for you, however, making it a routine can be bad for your body system. This is largely due to the fact that carbs are digested rapidly, resulting in an increased feeling of hunger.
12. Fast Food
Fast food may not be a bad idea when it is seldom taken. However, if you rely on it everyday and incorporate it in your daily routine, then it is time to put a stop to it. Not only are fast foods highly processed, they also contain tons of preservatives, HFCS and salt which can interrupt the stomach’s ability to communicate with the brain. With a high consumption of fast foods, satiety-related hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain are not produced, and therefore, the brain loses its ability to recognize what you have eaten. Home-made food still remains the best choice as it is not only good for you, it also gives you the ability to control what goes into your food, and into your body system.
Conclusion
These aforementioned foods are not necessarily bad particularly when taken on rare occasions. However, the fine line is in knowing when to pause, stop or outrightly discontinue these foods as it leaves you hungrier. Also, would you rather choose to satisfy your hunger craving and whet your appetite with a sumptuous, nutritious meal or would you choose to opt for an insatiable food? Well, your guess is as good as mine!