6 super-filling foods to eat if you're always hungry (2024)

Sometimes, you’re just hungry. Your budget is near its limit, but your tummy is rumbling and there's no two ways about it - you need food! But what if you planned your meals around foods that keep you full? We've put together a list of the most filling foods to reduce hunger, so you feel satisfied and energised throughout the day.

Filling meals and snacks will also help you stay on track with your healthy eating plan. Here are 6 science-backed picks to add more staying power to your meals and snacks.

Oats are rich in soluble fibre, a type of fibre that becomes gel-like when combined with liquid, says Wendy Bazilian, registered dietitian. Oats are thought to impact appetite-reducing hormones, which makes it more likely you’ll eat less. They also leave your stomach at a slower rate than simple carbs such as those found in desserts, for example.

There’s one important caveat: because soluble fibre needs liquid to thicken up, oats seem to be the most filling when they’re cooked in water or milk to make porridge. “A muffin or breakfast bar made with oats probably won’t have the same level of effect, since they don’t have as much water” Bazilian says.

RELATED: Are oats good for you?

6 super-filling foods to eat if you're always hungry (2024)

FAQs

6 super-filling foods to eat if you're always hungry? ›

The ones that curb hunger best are high in protein -- like lean meats, fish, or dairy products -- or high in fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Healthy fats like those found in nuts, fish, and sunflower oil can lower your cholesterol levels.

What should I eat if I'm always hungry? ›

The ones that curb hunger best are high in protein -- like lean meats, fish, or dairy products -- or high in fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Healthy fats like those found in nuts, fish, and sunflower oil can lower your cholesterol levels.

What foods satisfy hunger the most? ›

Whole, unprocessed foods that are high in protein and fiber will generally leave you more sated, which means you feel full for a longer period of time. Some of the most filling foods include boiled potatoes, oatmeal, eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, and popcorn.

What foods help beat hunger and keep you fuller longer? ›

Including protein-rich foods with every meal, and any snacks, increases your sense of satiety and helps manage your appetite throughout the day. Lean protein sources include lean meat, fish, shellfish, eggs and dairy products, such as semi-skimmed milk, cottage cheese and yogurt.

What food will fill you up all day? ›

Some of the most filling foods include baked potatoes, eggs, and high fiber foods. People sometimes refer to the feeling of fullness as satiety.

What am I lacking if I'm always hungry? ›

Sometimes hunger between meals indicates your diet is lacking in protein, fat and fiber, which take time to digest. You'll feel full for longer after eating a spinach salad topped with garbanzo beans, hard-boiled eggs, and nuts or seeds than you will after noshing on a plate of spaghetti. Keep a food diary.

What foods fill you up without gaining weight? ›

A can of tuna, an apple with a tablespoon of peanut or almond butter, a handful of nuts, a cup of plain air-popped popcorn, a half-cup of cottage cheese or a hard-boiled egg all make excellent options. Though they do contain calories, they're high in protein, so you won't be tempted to overeat at your next meal.

What foods fill you up the longest? ›

High-fiber foods not only provide volume but also take longer to digest, making you feel full longer on fewer calories. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains all contain fiber. Popcorn is a good example of a high-volume, low-calorie whole grain.

How to keep your stomach full without food? ›

Consuming water will fill your stomach and also keep you hydrated. Dehydration may send signals to your brain that are similar to hunger signals. If you're not well hydrated, you may feel hungry when you're actually just thirsty. Carbonated water may also be a good choice because the bubbles will fill your stomach.

What hormone makes you feel full? ›

The hormone leptin is produced by fat cells and is secreted into our bloodstream. Leptin reduces a person's appetite by acting on specific centres of their brain to reduce their urge to eat. It also seems to control how the body manages its store of body fat.

Which meal should I skip to lose weight? ›

In the case of Intermittent fasting, skipping your dinner is better and easier. You can have your dinner either early or have a heavy snack and can begin your fasting. Research suggests that fasting in the evening and overnight, then eating early in the morning is the better way to follow this diet to lose weight.

What food satisfies hunger best? ›

Best Hunger Busters

Beans, pears, whole-wheat pasta, oats and other fiber-rich foods provide bulk and slow digestion, which keeps you feeling fuller, longer.

Why do I constantly feel hungry even after eating? ›

Some causes for constant hunger include eating behaviors, not eating enough protein or healthy fats, long-term stress, frequently burning more calories than you consume, taking certain medication, and having an underlying medical condition.

What foods make you feel full longer? ›

High-fiber foods not only provide volume but also take longer to digest, making you feel full longer on fewer calories. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains all contain fiber. Popcorn is a good example of a high-volume, low-calorie whole grain. One cup of air-popped popcorn has about 30 calories.

Is it OK to eat every time you're hungry? ›

The sensation of hunger is instinctual. For many people, the first twinge of hunger sends them searching for food, often before they need to eat. Feeling hungry at the start of a meal is good, but eating every time you feel hungry can result in overeating.

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