Why do I always have the munchies?

Question

I'm a 14 year old girl, and I am not overweight or anything. On most days I eat healthy, however, I always have the munchies. Even if I don't feel very hungry, I will get the urge to snack on something. When snacking, I try to eat the healthy snacks like apples or any type of fruit, wheat thins, nuts, ect. but it gets very annoying. I am also afraid that I will gain weight when I get older if I don't stop this. Why do I have this problem? Does anyone else get this?

By the way, I do not smoke marijuana haha.

Answer 1

You are still growing at 14 and I think that maybe your meals are not "substantial" enough- are you munching all day or at the end of day after supper? Since you are an early teenager, I would suggest that you see you family doctor. Your hormones are kicking in now and "eating" may be a way you are dealing with your age, etc. If he says everything is ok- no hormone imbalance, no thyroid dysfunction, and you are at your ideal weight right now, then I would try to shift your eating to earlier in the day so you can burn off the calories during the day, and limit yourself to one healthy snack after supper (unless you are going to a party, etc). Also try drinking fluids when you feel like eating-we confuse hunger with thirst and you may just get away with a nice big glass of milk.

If you feel it is a "pattern" and I suggest writing down when you get the munchies, you may be under extra stress from school, etc. and that is why you want to get a grip on what is the underlying cause of this food frenzie before it gets out of hand and you gain excess weight. I hope I helped you, good luck.

Answer 2

It could just be that you're growing and your body needs more nutrition right now. In that case it is important to eat lots of nutritious foods - which it seems you are doing with the healthy snacks.

I used to get the munchies a lot when I was younger. Later I found out I was hypoglycemic and that's why I had an unbearable urge to munch on something all the time. I've not got the munchies anymore since I started avoiding all added sugars and refined starches. If it has sugar, corn syrup or anything that isn't a whole grain in the ingredients, I avoid it. Fruits of course not included.

Despite my munchies I've never been overweight, except for a brief 6 month period where I gained about 40 pounds after my family and I tried to save money by living off really cheap and processed food we bought at Costco. Once I went back to eating normally, the weight came right off.

If your "munchies" are excessive to the point it is concerning it might not be a bad idea to speak with your doctor.

Answer 3

just stock up on fruit. i'm a fruit junkie. go to bed at 10:00 also instead. it's much better for you. then you won't have to worry about late night munchies, cos you'll be asleep. also make sure you eat a good breakfast lunch and dinner.

Answer 4

start working out. it curves your appetite. Also try to eat things more filling. Like say, a banana with peanut butter. VERY healthy for you, and makes you full in the end. Oh, and don't worry about becoming fat at your age. I mean it's good to worry about obesity and stuff like that, but don't worry yourself sick if your hungry all of the time. You're body is still growing, and in order to grow taller, you need to keep on nourishing yourself.

Answer 5

the urge to snack is often caused by dehydration. As soon as you get the urge, drink an 8oz glass of water and wait a few minutes. (especially if you crave salty snacks)

Answer 6

You're at an age where your body is going through a lot of changes - both hormonal and physical. Your growth rate is also on full bore at this time. Don't worry about it - enjoy it! You won't be able to eat this way forever.

Answer 7

Maybe you have a fast metabolism or you are bored? Could have low blood sugar also....go see if yur doc knows...he can do blood tests to make sure its nothing medically wrong at least.

Answer 8

girl... have you been smoking weed?