4 Surprising Things That Can Increase Your Appetite
Even if you're generally in tune with your eating M.O., there are a few less-obvious factors impacting your appetite that you may not even be aware of. Lisa Young, Ph.D., R.D., author of The Portion Teller Plan, explains four surprising things that may be making you hungrier. Beware of these sneaky weight-loss roadblocks.
Air Conditioning
You know how you end up eating more in the winter and may even gain a few pounds between November and February? Well, if you spend your summer months blasting your a/c to escape the heat, you may see something similar happen. "We tend to eat more in cold temperatures because our bodies are trying to keep warm," says Young. Try opening a window to get some fresh air instead of blasting your air conditioning 24/7. Your wallet and your waistline will thank you.
MORE: 8 Tips That Make It Easier to Stop Eating When You're Full
Your Meds
Certain prescriptions, especially anti-depressants, could increase your appetite, says Young. "Of course, everyone reacts to medications differently—but generally speaking, anti-depressants in particular have been linked to increased appetite." Your best bet: Be sure you ask your doctor or dermatologist about all of the side effects of your medications so you know exactly what you're working with. While your overall health is obviously more important than whether or not you gain a few pounds, your doctor may be able to switch you to a different Rx that doesn't have appetite-stimulating results.
Supplements
Like prescriptions medications, supplements can affect people in different ways. "Certain dietary supplements and herbal supplements—i.e., the over-the-counter vitamins you get in health stores—have been shown to increase appetite in some people," says Young. If you start popping any new pills, be sure to monitor your hunger levels closely to see if they appear to be affected.
MORE: The Secret Ingredient That Can Help You Lose Weight
Changing Your Exercise Routine
It’s a good thing to vary it up—changing your workouts keeps things fresh, which helps you keep up your fitness habit in the long run. That said, trying new exercises could also increase your appetite. "Changing your workout pattern could make you feel hungrier initially, simply because your body is acclimating to a new normal and that can impact your appetite," says Young. Try keeping a food and exercise journal so you’re better able to track how much you’re eating in relation to how much you're working out.
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