Feeling Full? Here’s How to Keep Eating
It’s a common scenario: you sit down to a delicious meal and before you know it, you’re feeling full. But what if you still want to eat more? Whether it’s because you’re trying to gain weight, you’re an athlete with high energy needs, or you simply enjoy the taste of food, there are ways to continue eating even when you feel full. Here are some tips to help you eat more when you’re already feeling satisfied:
Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods
When you’re trying to eat more but you’re already feeling full, it’s important to choose foods that pack a lot of nutrients into a small volume. This means opting for foods that are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. These nutrients can help you feel satisfied while still allowing you to consume more calories. Some examples of nutrient-dense foods include:
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds
- Quinoa
- Lean meats
- Legumes
- Fatty fish like salmon or mackerel
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep your stomach stretched, making it easier to eat more when you’re feeling full. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and consider sipping on water during your meals to help create space in your stomach for more food.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Instead of trying to force down a large amount of food in one sitting, consider breaking your meals into smaller, more frequent eating sessions. This can help prevent you from feeling overly full while still allowing you to consume more calories throughout the day. Try eating 5-6 small meals instead of 3 large ones, and focus on including a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates in each meal.
Opt for Liquid Calories
When solid food feels too filling, turning to liquid calories can be a helpful strategy for increasing your overall calorie intake. Smoothies, protein shakes, and homemade soups can provide a concentrated source of calories without making you feel overly full. Plus, these options can be customized to include a balance of nutrients to support your overall health and energy needs.
Listen to Your Body
While these tips can help you eat more when you’re feeling full, it’s important to listen to your body’s cues and not force yourself to eat beyond your comfort level. Pay attention to your hunger and fullness signals, and aim to eat in a way that feels nourishing and enjoyable for your body.
Remember, everyone’s appetite and energy needs are different, so it’s okay if you don’t always feel like eating more, even if you’re trying to increase your calorie intake. Be kind to yourself and focus on nourishing your body in a way that feels good for you.
By choosing nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, eating small, frequent meals, opting for liquid calories, and listening to your body, you can find ways to eat more even when you’re feeling full. Experiment with these strategies and find what works best for you and your unique needs.