Why am I So Hungry After Eating Vegetables?
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Ask the Diva: Why Am I So Hungry After Eating Vegetables?
Q. I’m new to eating healthy and I’m finding your podcast super helpful. I started eating fruits and vegetables instead of junk. However, when snacking on the fruit/veggies, I’m still hungry and find myself reaching for more to eat. Why do I still get hungry after eating fruit or vegetables?
Answer. Snacking on veggies is a great way to get more nutrition (and less junk food) into your diet! But you can eat an awful lot of vegetables without eating very many calories and that might be why you’re still hungry.
Make your vegetable snack a little more satisfying by incorporating a little protein and/or some healthy fats: Dip your veggies in hummus, guacamole, or peanut butter or accompany them with a piece of string cheese, some cottage cheese, or a few nuts.
Just be sure you’re not adding so many extra calories that it blows your calorie budget. In general, 200 to 300 calories is about right for a between-meal snack. In my book, I have a whole chapter on healthy snacking, including a list of 200-calorie snack suggestions.
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.