Some of the foods you choose to consume may be doing you more harm than good.
The following foods make you feel hungrier, according to a report by The Independent.
1. Artificial sweeteners
Sugar-free foods may sound like a healthy option and may make you crave sweet things even more. Nutritionist and exercise physiologist Kathleen Alleaume said these sweeteners are often an indication that the food is processed and recommends not consuming large amounts of it, news.com.au reported.
2. Salads
Salads that contain just leafy greens are not going to keep you full. You need to eat a balanced meal. Add quinoa or brown rice, chicken or salmon to it.
3. Juices
They may be rich in vitamins, but juices are low in fibre and high in sugar. "While you may be sipping a whole heap of antioxidants, without the bulk from the fibre in the flesh, the body absorbs the liquid, especially the fructose (fruit sugar) more rapidly," Alleaume told news.com.au. Adding, "This leaves you with a calorie-containing beverage that spikes your blood sugar, followed by a crash, leaving you hankering for more food."
4. Crackers
This low-calorie snack is essentially carbohydrates that the body absorbs fast and leaves you wanting more. Top it off with hummus, ricotta or avocado to make it more exciting and satisfying.
5. Salty snacks
Salty foods make you thirstier, but we mistake it for feeling hungrier.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol contains a lot of calories and makes us crave more food. "Research also shows that alcohol switches the brain into starvation mode, increasing appetite," Alleaume stated in the report.
