You’ve returned home after a long day at the office. And all the way home, you’re thinking about food. What delicious meal can you have for dinner tonight? The thought of this makes your tummy rumble. So you get home and hurriedly open the fridge, expecting to see a delectable dish, but nothing seems to impress you.
There are several reasons why this can happen. Maybe you’ve eaten too much of a dish that’s currently in your fridge, and you now have food fatigue. Or you just don’t feel like it.
This article will help you navigate aimless hunger and offer helpful tips on what to eat when nothing sounds good, along with interesting meal ideas to add some zest to your weekday dining!
Should You Still Eat When Nothing Sounds Good?
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So you’re hungry, and you have no idea what to eat. Should you skip meals when nothing is that appetizing? Will it backfire and make you overeat later?
Well, yes, you should.
When you first begin to feel hungry, you have greater control over the food you consume. You are more likely to choose nourishing foods that will sustain your body.
However, if you do not satisfy your body’s initial hunger signals, your hunger will intensify and likely go into overdrive, and you will resort to binge-eating unhealthy foods that will leave you feeling uncomfortable.
Exciting Meal Ideas To Try When Nothing Is Appealing
When you’re in the throes of aimless hunger and nothing in your fridge or pantry seems appealing, here are 5 simple yet nutritious ideas to spruce up your weekday meals.
1. Keep It Simple
Sometimes, whipping up a complex dish can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve run out of inspiration. In such cases, simple yet nutritious meals should be your go-to solution.
Whether you throw together some leftovers or make the meal from scratch, these foods are usually high in protein, carbs, essential fats, and vitamins that satisfy hunger.
Meal ideas:
- Salad with leftover chicken and a salad dressing
- Egg omelet with toast
- Vegetable soups
You can be as innovative as you’d like with ingredients, or stick to recipes.
When serving yourself, consider starting with small portions of food. Munching on large quantities will leave you feeling uneasy. Small amounts, on the other hand, will begin to satisfy your hunger and enable your body to decide if it requires more food.
2. Turn To Veggies And Fruits
If you’re too lazy to whip up a simple meal, you can always turn to fresh vegetables and fruits. High in vitamins and minerals, you can’t go wrong with a couple of greens for dinner.
If you don’t want to have the fruits or veggies plain, here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Chopped fruit with a dollop of yogurt or ice cream
- Fresh, leafy salad
- Lightly sautéed veggies tossed with a protein
3. Try Out New Cuisines, Flavors, And Recipes
Cooking the same dish repeatedly can result in dish fatigue. Switch things up by trying out new cuisines and experimenting with unique flavors and recipes. And you don’t even have to spend too much time or money grocery shopping for ingredients.
Common pantry items such as beans, sauces, eggs, and noodles, among others, are very versatile and can be incorporated into multiple cuisines and recipes. Google and Pinterest have a dearth of recipes to offer, and you can choose anything that suits your fancy.
It’s All About Comfort
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When you’re left wondering what to eat when nothing sounds good, a simple and effective solution is to turn to your all-time favorite—comfort food.
A hearty mac and cheese, local instant noodles, a warm bowl of tomato soup, a cheese sandwich, or a homemade artisan pizza can do the trick.
Is it Hunger Or Thirst?
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The feeling of thirst can also feel like hunger. So, it is vital to stay hydrated. If you’re unsure whether you’re hungry or thirsty, take a few sips of water and assess if you feel hungry after 30 minutes.
However, refrain from drinking water to mitigate feelings of hunger when nothing in your fridge or pantry seems appealing.
