Have you ever eaten something, and it didn’t take long for you to feel hungry again? It can be a very frustrating cycle, especially for those who are trying to shed some pounds.
As it turns out, there are certain foods and beverages that can ‘trigger’ cravings for other foods, making it more difficult for people to control their appetite and feel satiated throughout the day. While consuming these foods and drinks in moderation is fine, having them frequently can make losing weight harder. We spoke with a dietitian about three “sneaky” foods that “trigger” cravings and make losing weight more difficult. Read more about them below.
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1. Low-Fiber Carbs (White Rice, Bagels, Etc.)
One of the biggest misconceptions in the weight loss and health community is that carbs are the 'enemy.' However, carbohydrates are a very important macronutrient that helps keep us full and energized. Still, it's important to look out for which carbs you choose to eat while trying to lose weight, as low-fiber, white carbs can trigger cravings later in the day.
"Foods like plain bagels, white rice, rice crackers, or sandwich bread are often seen as neutral or "safe," but they digest quickly and don't keep you full for long," explains registered dietitian Kathleen Benson, CSSD, CPT, RDN at VNutrition. "Without fiber or protein, blood sugar can rise and fall rapidly, which may trigger cravings soon after eating."
2. Savory Fried Foods
Fried food is notoriously known as being 'unhealthy,' although people still try to find ways to incorporate it into their diets. After all, it can be really convenient to keep a bag of frozen chicken tenders on hand when you don't feel like cooking. But even if you try to eat fried foods with vegetables, they can still lead to potential cravings that make you want to eat more.
"Savory fried foods (like fries, fried chicken, or chips) can drive cravings even though they aren't sugary," explains Benson. "The combination of fat and refined starch makes them easy to overeat and less satisfying than expected, which can lead to wanting more food later rather than feeling truly full."
3. Sugary Drinks (Juice, Smoothies, Etc.)
There are lots of beverages out there that seem healthy and good for weight loss, like smoothies and juices, but actually can do more harm than good when consumed on their own or consumed frequently. As delicious as they can be, these high-sugar beverages can make weight loss quite difficult.
"Beverages like fresh juices, sweetened tea, or flavored coffee drinks can seem harmless because they're liquids or made with 'natural' ingredients," notes Benson. "But they deliver sugar quickly without fiber or chewing, making them less filling and more likely to lead to cravings afterward."
