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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Zahna Eklund

Dr Michael Mosley warns of common diet mistake that can cause 'excessive hunger'

Eating healthy meals that also incorporate all of the major food groups isn't always an easy task, and it can sometimes be too tempting to load up on carbs and pay less attention to proteins and veggies.

But according to diet expert Dr Michael Mosley, a poor diet can actually lead to issues with "excessive hunger", which could mean you feel the need to keep eating even when you've had plenty of food.

Dr Mosley said not getting the right nutrients into your diet can result in overeating, snacking, and unnecessary discomfort, and advocated for following a Mediterranean-style diet consisting of plenty of fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, veggies, and olive oil.

Eating the right food and drinking water can help improve hunger symptoms (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In a post on his Fast 800 website, he said: "Although you may feel you're eating enough, if you aren't getting the right nutrients you may feel more hungry after or between meals.

"If you are eating too many refined carbs, and your diet is low in protein, fat, or fibre you may feel hungry more frequently as your body is craving what it really needs. This is why a Mediterranean-style diet is what we recommend, and is at the core of The Fast 800 Online Programme.

"Adding plenty of non-starchy vegetables to every meal will also help you to feel full and satisfied as they're loaded with vitamins and minerals."

And there are other factors that could be making you feel more hungry throughout the day too - including not getting enough sleep. Two hormones in our body, leptin and ghrelin, are impacted by sleep, and they also happen to regulate appetite on a daily basis.

Drinking plenty of water is also vital for keeping your hunger at bay because dehydration can sometimes be mistaken for hunger - meaning we eat food when we should really be drinking water.

He added: "Not only can dehydration lead to hunger throughout the day, but it can also lead to eating more at mealtimes. A study of 14 people who drank two cups of water before a meal found that they ate 600 fewer calories than those who didn't."

What's more, it's also beneficial to not be distracted while eating, as a 2018 study showed there is a link between the reduction of food cravings and the practice of mindful eating. Using your senses to enjoy your food through sight, smell, texture and even sound can ensure you eat with your mind and your body and will be less likely to feel hungry after a decent meal.

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