You won’t believe it: within these reasons that you’ll find below, there are 80% of the reasons why you are overweight. In fact, maybe you’re not overweight, but you feel that way. The biggest problem of being overweight is actually in our heads, and the most important step is to become aware that you eat a lot. Unfortunately, it’s hard not to feel hunger!

Here are the most likely reasons:

1. You have too much free time
It’s simple: you are bored. You fill the time between work with snacks. These include liquid snacks as well, which are also high in calories and low in nutrients. The most useful way to spend your free time is not to rush into the kitchen to invent a new recipe for a fattening snack, but rather to read a book that will distract you and make the time pass faster, so you’re not looking for comfort by checking out a new restaurant’s menu. Very important: find yourself an extra activity.

2. Wild hormones
Hunger from hormonal imbalance is far from harmless. If you don’t consume enough carbohydrates, your blood sugar will drop (hypoglycemia), the result of which is greediness! If you suffer from hypoglycemia, the culprit is poor nutrition (some diets can cause this too!), but your body still needs energy. The body needs starch, so don’t completely avoid bread. Every organism needs carbohydrates. Fats are among the most important elements... Note that bakery goods, although they have a bad reputation, actually contain a lot of fiber in their wholegrain versions, which give you a sense of fullness and prevent hunger. It’s not all about low prices!

And also... Hormone surges can also be the result of issues with your thyroid, pancreas, liver, or kidneys... Be cautious with hormones: maybe your body is trying to warn you about something worse and you’re not noticing it.

3. You’re not happy
A sudden loss or increase of appetite can be the result of depression, and food is just a way to soothe the unhappiness that could be caused by heartache, accumulated work stress, a bad week, or even worse, a bad month... Emotional burnout can lurk behind this, and mood swings could also be a result of insufficient marital activities. Exercise always helps—whether with your partner or solo in nature.

4. You are surrounded by food
Look around you. If you see food everywhere, then it’s a sign to change your environment. The problem of too much food can exist at work, in front of the TV, even billboards on your way to work encourage you to feel hungrier than you really are. You can’t influence much of this, but you can choose a different gym, a different route to work, a different walk... Find another afternoon activity.

And also... Don’t watch TV!

5. You didn’t have an adequate breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make peace with that. If your body doesn’t get the right energy and nutrients in the morning, it will burden you with hunger all day. Breakfast isn’t something you eat in passing—take time and think about what’s good to eat. Only that way will your body be satisfied, stay full longer, and not attack you with hunger.

Remember: the best diet is not starvation!