Processed foods, like chips, deli sandwiches, and nutrition bars, are a part of most Americans' diets. While these foods may be convenient, they lack protein and can significantly contribute to feeling hungry. When you start feeling those hunger pangs, it can lead to overeating and obesity. As people consume more refined sugars and highly processed foods, they dilute the protein already in their bodies. Find out why protein hunger can cause you to overeat.

Most Daily Calories Come from Processed Food

Over the years, studies have shown that Americans consume more processed foods than ever. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, highly processed food consumption grew from 53% in 2001 to 57% in 2018. With all that junk food, people are not getting enough protein in their diets.

There is a hypothesis that people will overeat carbohydrates and fats when their bodies need protein. Protein is vital for many bodily functions. Remember that proteins are the building blocks of life. All your cells contain protein. That protein is needed to make new cells and repair old ones.

Less Protein at Breakfast Leads To More Consumed Calories

When someone consumes a diet with highly processed food, which is low in protein, they will eat more calorie-dense foods to satisfy their protein hunger. The average caloric needs of adults can vary. According to the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women need 1,600 to 2,200 calories daily. On the other hand, men have slightly higher caloric requirements, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 per day.

One study has shown that those individuals who ate less protein during breakfast would go on to consume more calories throughout the day. However, the opposite is true for those who ate more protein in the morning. They had a lower total calorie intake for the remainder of the day. That study showed that those who did not eat enough protein to start their day would compensate by drinking and eating more empty calories.

High Protein Diets May Leave You Less Hungry

The term "protein hunger" is attributed to those bad eating habits. As previously mentioned, a higher protein diet is a better choice that leads to improved satiety and less consumption of processed foods. While you might think that a high-protein diet must require meat, that is not always the case.

Some people will respond differently to a meat-heavy diet, like ketogenic or Atkins. Eating more meat is not always the best option. Protein can come from various sources, including animal products, legumes, vegetables, and whole grains. The dietary recommendation needs to be tailored to an individual's specific requirements. Along with that, a person must find a balance between carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in their diets.

Find Healthier Ways To Consume More Proteins

Protein is an integral part of your dietary needs. If you don't eat enough of it, you might have issues with overeating throughout the day. That is known as protein hunger and can be detrimental to your diet. When it comes time to find the right type of protein for your needs, make sure to visit Source Market Miami.

About Source 

Source offers a selection of the highest-quality produce, goods and more sourced local, organic, ethical, sustainable and as regenerative as possible. You can shop online or visit us instore, M-F 10:30am-6pm. We are located at 275 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33143.