A lot of times, the main reason for a persistent appetite has to do with food quality rather than food quantity. Some examples of food choices that will leave you hungry: • Eating junky carbs • Not eating protein or enough protein • Not eating complex carbs with a good dose of fiber • Not eating enough fat
Concentrate on food quality and calorie distribution throughout the day. Try things like: • Eat more calories during breakfast and lunch • Have a good dose of protein with each meal • Never eat carbs without protein • Have some good fat at every meal • Eat plenty of fiber • Get some of that fiber from raw veggies (lots of chewing!) • Drink plenty of water • Have some protein and healthy fat, plus fiber with every meal, to provide satiety as well as slow the emptying time of the stomach. • Try an apple and some nuts, or cheese and whole grain crackers. • Start keeping a food diary of what you are eating. Note how much you eat and how you are feeling when you eat – is it true hunger, or is it related to boredom, depression, stress, anxiety, excitement, or fun? It may bring awareness to your eating habits.
Senior Health and Fitness
