Candid Conversations with Nurse Rita
March 23, 2006
Dear Nurse Rita,
After I eat a regular sized meal to the point that I am full, about 10-15 minutes later I always get really hungry again. How come?
Signed,
No More Food Please
Dear “NMFP”,
I’m going to answer this question by giving you some things to ask yourself. Let’s break your question down!
1. What is a “regular sized meal” for you?
Normal regular meal would be MINIMALLY (check out Canada Food
Guide in our pamphlet area).
• 2 portions of Grains (i.e. 2 pieces of bread or 1 cup of pasta or rice)
• 2 portions of Fruit or Vegetable
• 1 portion of Dairy
• 1 portion of Protein
This is the LEAST you should be eating in a 4-5 hour time period and you should eat at LEAST three regular meals per day. If you are not meeting these four essential requirements you are not eating a regular meal. (No, a cracker and some carrot sticks IS NOT a regular meal–even if you feel full.)
2. What are you eating that would make you feel really hungry “10-15 minutes later”?
Are you combining high energy (glycogen) foods and low glycogen foods in your meals? Simple grains, fruit, veggies are normally high; whole wheat grains, dairy, proteins are mainly low. Simple grains will not satisfy hunger for a long period, whereas low glycogens only might not be filling your hunger.
Thanks for your questions. I will be waiting anxiously for your next ones!
Nurse Rita
Now you go...
Got something to say?