Food is meant to make you feel full and satisfied. However, certain foods can also make you feel hungrier than others. The degree of satiety you experience after eating is dependent upon the nutrient content of the food. The less fiber, water and protein a food contains, the hungrier you will feel after eating it. These foods are rich in empty calories and fat with little nutritional value. These are foods you want to avoid if you are trying to watch your weight or eat healthy as they dramatically increase the number of calories you consume without filling you up.
French Fries
French fries are one of the most popular foods in North America. Unfortunately, they are also one of the unhealthiest foods available. Although they are often considered a vegetable as they are made from potatoes, any nutrients present in potatoes are lost during the process of frying, salting and dipping in high fructose corn syrup. According to Health Castle, a large order of french fries contains approximately 570 calories and 30 g of fat. Eating french fries increases your calorie, fat and sodium intake, but will not increase your satiety.
Refined Grains
Refined grains include pasta, rice, bread and crackers made from white flour rather than whole wheat flour. While many people find white grains appealing, they are stripped of all the nutrients, fiber and benefits of whole grains. Refined grains can make you more hungry because they are rich in simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates cause a rapid increase in your blood glucose levels, which causes hunger.
Processed Cereals
Cereals are available in many different varieties. While some are healthy and fulfilling, others leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied. Many breakfast cereals are high in simple carbohydrates that do not offer lasting energy. If you do not have time for eggs in the morning, but need a long-term energy return, try whole grains rich in fiber. Top with fresh fruit for a filling, nutritious breakfast.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and liquor contain unnecessary calories. According to Health Castle, a 12 oz. can of beer contains 150 calories from sugar. Calories from alcoholic beverages tend to be stored by the body as fat, often leading to weight gain over time. Additionally, people tend to consume unhealthy food options while drinking.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs rank as one of the worst offenders. Made from over-processed scraps of meat, hot dogs are full of preservatives, sodium, nitrates, dyes and other substances that your body does not need. Aside from protein, hot dogs provide limited nutritional value. They do not fill you up, but rather encourage you to eat more.
Soda
Regular soda is packed with calories, sodium, additives and coloring agents. On average, a can of soda contains 130 empty calories. It is full of sugar, with no redeeming nutritional value. You may think that drinking diet soda is a better option as it contains no calories. However, diet soda contains artificial sweeteners that increase not only your appetite, but also your sugar cravings.
Flavored Yogurt
Typically, yogurt is packed with nutrients such as calcium, protein and vitamin D. While plain and light yogurts provide the body with beneficial bacteria, flavored yogurt is often laden with sugar. Some yogurts contain high fructose corn syrup or other simple sugars to make it more appealing and sweet. Unfortunately, eating this kind of yogurt does not let the body known when it is full.
