During a recent interview, a prominent Sputnik nutrition expert warned that when certain foods are consumed in excessive amounts, they can blunt the body’s natural sense of fullness. The discussion centered on Alexei Kovalkov, a spokesperson for Radio Sputnik on matters of nutrition and health.
The expert emphasized that hunger is not always purely physical. In many cases, psychological factors play a significant role in the urge to eat, potentially overriding genuine energy needs.
It was explained that the common form of hunger is largely physiological. In many instances, this type of hunger can be managed with a balanced choice of foods that align with daily energy requirements. The key idea put forward is that while hunger can be addressed by eating, excessive consumption or poor food choices can distort the body’s signals and lead to a cycle of overeating.
On the other hand, psychological hunger arises as an unanticipated sensation to eat, driven less by the body’s immediate energy needs and more by hormones and emotional cues. This kind of hunger can emerge during moments of stress, boredom, or mood shifts, and it often requires strategies beyond simply ‘having a snack’ to restore a healthy relationship with food.
When fatty and sugary foods are enjoyed, the body may release endorphins, producing a temporary sense of comfort or pleasure. This reward mechanism can create a pattern where those foods are sought out to quell cravings. Yet this approach tends to falter when such items are consumed too frequently or in large amounts, making the initial relief disappear and leaving hunger unsatisfied or reawakened shortly thereafter.
In light of these dynamics, several nutrition professionals have weighed in on pragmatic snack choices. Olga Dekker, a former nutritionist who was associated with the National Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists and with the European Society for Obesity Research, has highlighted snacks that minimize potential downsides. Her guidance centers on choices that help sustain fullness, stabilize blood sugar, and support long-term dietary balance while still providing enjoyment. Dekker’s recommendations stress practical options that can fit into a busy lifestyle without triggering the cycle of quick, temporary fixes followed by renewed hunger. (Dekker, European observers)