5 ways to stay fuller for longer

Beth Furness - Nutritionist | 04 May, 2025

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Ever find yourself hungry not long after eating? Feeling full and satisfied isn’t just about how much you eat — it’s about what you eat. Choosing the right foods in the right combinations can help curb hunger, maintain steady energy levels, and make it easier to stay within your daily calorie target.

If you're logging your meals with Nutracheck, you’ve probably noticed that some meals keep you full for hours, while others leave you reaching for a snack soon after. Focusing on the right mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help you avoid energy crashes that lead to cravings and unexpected hunger later on.

Here are five simple strategies to help you stay fuller for longer — without adding extra calories.

Keep occasional overeating in perspective

1Pair carbs with protein, fiber, and healthy fats

Your body breaks down simple carbs quickly when eaten on their own, which can lead to energy crashes and hunger shortly after. But pairing them with protein, fiber, or healthy fats helps slow digestion, keeping you fuller for longer.

Try this:

  • Swap jam on white toast for peanut butter or scrambled eggs on whole grain bread.
  • Pair fresh fruit with Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts.
  • Add lean protein, avocado, or olive oil to whole grain pasta or salads.

Balancing your plate this way helps prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, making it easier to stay on track without feeling hungry again too soon. Just remember to log all additions in the app — higher fat foods can add up quickly if not portioned carefully.

Don’t skip meals or overcompensate

2Prioritize high-fiber foods

Fiber is a game-changer when it comes to feeling full. It slows digestion, supports gut health, and helps regulate appetite. Despite all its benefits, many of us don’t get enough — but small changes can make a big impact.

Try this:

  • Choose whole grain bread, pasta, and rice instead of white versions.
  • Fill your plate with fiber-rich veggies like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
  • Add beans, lentils, or chickpeas to meals for an extra fiber boost.

Many high-fiber foods add volume to your meals without adding too many calories, making them a great way to manage hunger while sticking to your calorie goal.

Don’t skip meals or overcompensate

3Don’t forget protein at every meal

Protein isn’t just for muscle — it’s the most satisfying macronutrient, which means it helps you feel full longer. Getting enough protein can reduce cravings and keep you from overeating later in the day.

Try this:

  • Start the day with a protein-rich breakfast like eggs, Greek yogurt, or a protein smoothie.
  • Add lean protein (like chicken, tofu, or salmon) to lunch and dinner.
  • Snack on high-protein options like cottage cheese, boiled eggs, or edamame.

Tracking your protein intake in Nutracheck can help you hit your goals. Even small changes — like an extra egg at breakfast or swapping in Greek yogurt — can make a big difference in keeping hunger in check.

Stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods

4Eat mindfully and slow down

Rushing through meals can leave you unsatisfied — even if you’ve eaten enough. It takes around 20 minutes for your brain to register fullness, so slowing down can help prevent overeating and unnecessary snacking.

Try this:

  • Put your fork down between bites.
  • Focus on your food — not your phone or TV.
  • Tune into hunger and fullness cues, and stop when you're satisfied, not stuffed.

Mindful eating isn’t about restriction — it’s about making meals more enjoyable so you naturally feel more satisfied with less.

Stay hydrated

5Stay hydrated — thirst can feel like hunger

Sometimes what feels like hunger is actually thirst. Drinking enough water helps regulate appetite and can stop you from eating when your body is really just dehydrated.

Try this:

  • Start your morning with a glass of water.
  • Carry a water bottle and sip throughout the day.
  • Eat hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and soups.

Use Nutracheck to track your water intake to make sure you're staying hydrated all day. If you’re feeling peckish, try having a drink first — if you're still hungry 10 minutes later, go ahead and grab a snack.

The key to staying fuller for longer

Feeling full and satisfied isn’t about eating more — it’s about eating smarter. By balancing your meals, prioritizing fiber and protein, slowing down, and staying hydrated, you’ll naturally manage hunger and make your calories work harder for you.

The best part? These small tweaks don’t just help control your appetite — they support steady energy, better digestion, and your overall health.

Using Nutracheck to track your protein, fiber, and hydration can help fine-tune your meals so you’re getting the most from what you eat — without feeling hungry again an hour later.

Nutritionist Beth Furness (ANutr), holding a BSc in Nutrition and Health, is deeply dedicated to applying evidence-based knowledge to all aspects of nutrition. Her passion lies in fostering healthy relationships with food, ensuring that everyone maintains a balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition.

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