Why does someone who takes 200 calories of bread or rice feel much more satisfied than those who take the same amount of calories of vegetables ?
It’s simple.
Feeling satisfied is not just about filling your stomach. We feel hungry because our bodies crave energy or nutrients. When you fill your stomach with vegetables, it takes a significant amount of time for your digestive system to break them down and absorb the nutrients. When you eat bread or rice you get a much quicker rise in blood sugar, which your brain interprets as “satisfied.” Really, the best way to achieve a good balance is to have a combination of different kinds of foods at each meal. Eat vegetables, starch, protein, and a little fat at each meal, and you’ll feel full and satisfied without going over your calorie target.
Moreover, satisfying hunger involves several elements besides ‘calories’ or ‘bulk’… nutrition is a very important one which is why a good balance & eating a variety of foods is recommended. And there are other contributors to satiety as well. Cold foods are not as satisfying as hot ones. Foods eaten at speed are not as satisfying as foods eaten more leisurely. Foods eaten when distracted (e.g. watching TV) tend not to satisfy hunger. Getting your total calorie intake from lots & lots of little snacks is not as satisfying as sitting down to two or three larger meals.
So, why don’t choose the one that makes you satisfied faster instead the one that will make you to take more and more calories but still feeling hungry?
