Many people find themselves craving a snack shortly after dinner, according to Real Simple.
A new study published in the journal Appetite suggests that this is often due to the brain's habits rather than the body's need for energy.
Researchers explain that, over the course of life, the brain learns to associate certain situations with food.
These may include watching television, specific times of day, or the smell of food.
Also read: If you take this type of antidepressant, these common foods could be dangerous
When those situations arise, the brain can automatically trigger the desire to eat.
Two types of hunger
According to nutrition researcher Timothy Fries, in comments to Real Simple, there are two types of hunger.
The first is physical hunger, which occurs when the body needs energy.
The second is hedonic hunger, in which the brain seeks reward even though the body is already full.
Also read: Vaping was pitched as the safer pregnancy option: a new SUDI study complicates that
Health coach Liza Baker also points out that emotions such as stress or boredom can lead people to eat.
In these cases, the craving is not caused by a lack of food but by the need for something else.
Small changes can help
The researchers recommend trying to identify what triggers the urge to eat.
Taking a short pause before reaching for a snack can make it easier to determine whether you are actually hungry.
Also read: She ate eggs every day for two weeks – here are the results
They also recommend eating without distractions such as television or a mobile phone, making it easier to notice the body's natural hunger and fullness signals.
Also read: A next-generation weight-loss drug may cut body weight by nearly 30%
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.