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Writer's pictureMark Edwards

Why "Empty Calories" Leave You Feeling So...Empty

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Introduction

White bread, leftover Halloween candy, and those crunchy morsels with fake BBQ flavor all have something in common. Not long after eating them, you’re hungry again.


There’s a reason behind this “I just ate and want more” phenomenon—and it’s tied to your body’s hormones.


What Are Empty Calories?

Empty calories are calories from foods that provide little to no nutritional value. These foods are typically high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates, yet low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Examples include sugary drinks, candy, pastries, and most processed snacks.


While they provide energy, they lack the nutrients your body needs for optimal functioning.


One major factor behind why empty-calorie foods leave you feeling unsatisfied is how they impact leptin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and energy balance.


Let's dig into this a little more.





How Leptin Regulates Hunger


Leptin, released by fat cells, signals your brain about how much energy you’ve consumed and how much is stored in your fat cells. Your brain then uses this information to adjust your hunger and metabolism accordingly. Ideally, when you’ve eaten enough, leptin will tell your brain, and you’ll feel satisfied.


But here’s the problem: Eating too many ultra-processed foods and not enough minimally-processed whole foods can disrupt leptin signaling.


Leptin, Inflammation, and Junk Food


Inflammation in the Hypothalamus


Diets high in hyper-palatable, ultra-processed foods can inflame and injure the cells in the hypothalamus—the part of your brain responsible for regulating hunger and energy output. When cells here become inflamed, it interferes with the proper regulation of food intake (Arch, 2005).


Gut Health and Its Role in Leptin Resistance

Junk food also disrupts gut health by altering your gut microbiome, causing inflammation that affects hypothalamic function. A disrupted gut microbiome can lead to a weakened gut barrier, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and cause systemic inflammation.


The result? Leptin resistance. (Mostafavi Abdolmaleky & Zhou, 2024).


The Vicious Cycle of Leptin Resistance


When leptin resistance occurs, your brain can no longer properly respond to leptin’s signals. Even though your body has enough energy stored, your brain doesn’t get the message. It thinks it’s starving and prompts you to eat more—leading to increased hunger, larger portions, and eventually, more fat storage.


Leptin resistance leads to more food intake, making fat cells grow larger, which then produces more leptin. This should be a signal to stop eating, but in a leptin-resistant state, your brain is effectively “deaf” to leptin. You end up stuck in a cycle where regular portion sizes no longer feel satisfying, and you feel compelled to keep eating.


It's no wonder that a majority of Americans these days are classified as obese.





Fruit

How to Improve Leptin Sensitivity


The good news is, you don’t need to give up junk food forever to get leptin working well again. By gradually replacing processed foods with minimally-processed whole foods—like lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains—you can maintain healthy leptin sensitivity and keep your hunger cues in check.


Research suggests that reducing ultra-processed foods while eating more fiber-rich, nutrient-dense options can help reverse leptin resistance and bring your appetite regulation back on track (Mostafavi Abdolmaleky & Zhou, 2024).


Understanding Satiety Beyond Leptin


Leptin isn’t the only player in hunger regulation. Satiety also depends on two other key physiological factors:


Gastric Distension

When your stomach stretches after eating, it sends signals to your brain that it’s time to stop. Foods that are high in volume but low in calories—such as vegetables, beans, and legumes—help trigger this sensation, making it easier to control your calorie intake while still feeling satisfied.


This is one of the primary reasons that I get my coaching clients to gradually increase their vegetable consumption. Besides being full of micronutrients, vegetables simply make you feel fuller without a significant amount of calories.


Hormonal Satiation

Hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide YY (PYY), and GLP-1 are released by your gut in response to eating and contribute to feelings of fullness. These hormones play a critical role in communicating to your brain that you’ve had enough to eat.


The Role of Nutrition in Hormone Balance



Salad

Foods That Support Leptin Sensitivity


To improve leptin sensitivity and support overall hormone balance, consider incorporating these foods into your diet:

  • Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are high in fiber and nutrients that support a healthy metabolism.

  • Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, lean pork, and lean beef help keep you full longer and stabilize blood sugar levels.

  • Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with leptin sensitivity.

  • Whole Grains: Foods like oats, brown rice, lentils and quinoa provide fiber, which helps regulate digestion and keep you feeling full.

  • Berries: Rich in antioxidants, berries can help reduce inflammation and protect the hypothalamic cells that regulate hunger.


Foods to Avoid for Better Hunger Regulation




Certain foods can negatively impact leptin sensitivity and overall hunger regulation:


  • Sugary Beverages: Soda, fruit juices with added sugars, and energy drinks can spike insulin levels and lead to increased fat storage.

  • Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, pastries, and sugary cereals are quickly digested, causing blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes that lead to increased hunger.

  • Trans Fats: Found in many fried foods and baked goods, trans fats can promote inflammation and impair leptin signaling.


The Impact of Macronutrients on Hunger and Satiety


Different macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—affect hunger and satiety hormones in unique ways.



Grilled Steak

Protein's Role in Satiety


Protein is known to be the most satiating macronutrient. Consuming adequate protein can significantly reduce hunger and increase the feeling of fullness more effectively than fats or carbohydrates. This effect is partly due to protein's ability to influence appetite-regulating hormones.


Studies have shown that high-protein meals increase levels of peptide YY (PYY) and GLP-1, both of which promote satiety, and decrease levels of ghrelin, the "hunger hormone" (Leidy et al., 2015).


The Effects of Fats on Hunger

Dietary fats have a complex relationship with hunger and satiety. While fats are energy-dense and can slow gastric emptying, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness, certain types of fats can promote inflammation and negatively impact leptin sensitivity.


However, healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may improve leptin signaling and support appetite regulation (Cai et al., 2020).





Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar Regulation


Carbohydrates, especially refined ones, can cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased hunger shortly after eating. In contrast, complex carbohydrates with high fiber content digest more slowly, providing a steadier release of energy and promoting satiety.


Fiber also plays a crucial role in gut health, which, as I mentioned, is linked to leptin sensitivity.


Meal Timing and Its Effect on Leptin Sensitivity


When you eat can be just as important as what you eat. Irregular eating patterns and late-night meals can disrupt your body's natural circadian rhythms, affecting hormone production, including leptin.


Consuming most of your calories earlier in the day and following a consistent meal schedule can support better leptin function and appetite regulation (Jakubowicz et al., 2013).


Intermittent Fasting and Leptin


Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity for its potential benefits on weight management and metabolic health. Some research suggests that IF can improve leptin sensitivity and reduce inflammation by giving the body extended periods without food intake, allowing for hormonal reset and cellular repair processes like autophagy (Anton et al., 2018).


However, the key component of Intermittent Fasting that triggers these processes is calorie restriction. If Intermittent Fasting works better for you than a standard calorie-restricted diet, have at it. But remember, there's nothing magical about Intermittent Fasting. Leptin sensitivity, inflammation markers, and autophagy are all improved by simple caloric restriction. (Harvie et al., 2011) (Ott et al., 2017) (Mayor, 2023).



Glasses of water

The Role of Hydration in Appetite Control


Staying adequately hydrated is essential for overall health and can also influence hunger and satiety. Sometimes, feelings of thirst are misinterpreted as hunger, leading to unnecessary calorie intake. Drinking water before meals can promote a sense of fullness, reducing the amount of food consumed during the meal.


Moreover, proper hydration supports metabolic processes and can assist in weight management (Dennis et al., 2010).


Proper hydration is one of the fundamental practices that I work on with my clients. The downstream effect of hydration is nothing short of mind-blowing.


Brain

The Gut-Brain Axis and Appetite Regulation


The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, playing a significant role in regulating hunger and satiety. A healthy gut microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that influence appetite hormones and inflammation levels.


Prebiotics and probiotics can support a balanced microbiome, potentially improving leptin sensitivity and reducing overeating (Everard et al, 2011). (Kim et al, 2017)


Foods That Promote a Healthy Gut


Incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi into your diet can introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut. Additionally, consuming prebiotic-rich foods such as garlic, onions, asparagus, and apples provides nourishment for these good bacteria, supporting overall gut health.


Lifestyle Factors That Affect Leptin Sensitivity





Exercise and Physical Activity


Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve leptin sensitivity. Exercise helps reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote healthy hormone function. Both aerobic exercises like running and cycling, and resistance training like weightlifting, have been shown to have positive effects on leptin sensitivity (Makiel et al., 2023)



Sleeping Man

Sleep Quality

Getting enough high-quality sleep is crucial for hormone regulation, including leptin. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to decreased leptin levels and increased levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support proper leptin signaling and overall health (Spiegel et al., 2004).



Stressed woman at a table with snacks and computer

Stress Management

Chronic stress can lead to elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone that interferes with leptin signaling and promotes fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. Incorporating stress-reducing practices such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature can help mitigate the negative effects of stress on leptin and other hormones.


Practical Tips for Managing Hunger and Improving Leptin Sensitivity

  • Mindful Eating: Paying attention to hunger and fullness cues can prevent overeating. Eat slowly, savor each bite, and avoid distractions like television or smartphones during meals.

  • Regular Meal Patterns: Establishing consistent eating times helps regulate your body's hunger hormones and can prevent excessive hunger that leads to overeating.

  • Adequate Sleep: Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support hormonal balance, including leptin and ghrelin levels.

  • Stress Reduction Techniques: Engage in activities that reduce stress, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies you enjoy.

  • Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol can interfere with leptin signaling and increase appetite. Moderation is key.


Finding Balance: Junk Food and Your Diet

While it’s important to be mindful of ultra-processed foods, banning them entirely is often counterproductive. Total restriction can lead to intense cravings and potentially bingeing on those forbidden foods.


Instead, aim for balance. If most of your meals are built around whole, nutritious foods, enjoying the occasional treat isn’t going to derail your health or your progress.


A study published in the journal Behavior Research and Therapy found that people who allowed themselves occasional indulgences (snacks!) were more successful at maintaining a healthy diet in the long term compared to those who attempted to completely avoid certain foods.


The key is moderation and consistency with your healthy eating habits.


10-Second Takeaways

  • Brain physiology plays a major role in driving hunger and satiety.

  • Leptin is crucial for signaling your brain when you’ve had enough, but ultra-processed foods can interfere with this process.

  • Macronutrient balance affects hunger; protein and healthy fats promote satiety, while refined carbs can increase hunger.

  • Meal timing and regular eating patterns support better leptin sensitivity and appetite regulation.

  • Hydration is essential for controlling hunger and supporting metabolic processes.

  • Gut health influences appetite hormones; a balanced microbiome can improve leptin sensitivity.

  • Foods rich in fiber and low in energy density—like vegetables and legumes—help you feel full with fewer calories.

  • Occasional junk food indulgences are okay. The key to long-term health is consistency in your daily choices.

  • Completely banning junk food can backfire, leading to overeating. Instead, focus on making whole foods the norm and treats the exception.

  • Exercise, sleep, and stress management are critical lifestyle factors that influence leptin sensitivity and overall health.


Conclusion


You don't have to fully understand the complex interplay between diet, hormones, and lifestyle factors for effective hunger management and overall health. However, by focusing on nutrient-dense foods, maintaining a balanced diet, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can improve leptin sensitivity, regulate your appetite, and break the cycle of constant hunger.


The way forward is habit change. Contact me and let's get started on creating the best version of you.


"If you want it bad enough, you'll find a way. If you don't want it that bad, you'll find an excuse."



Disclaimer: All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. No information provided is to be construed as medical advice. If you have medical issues, always consult your doctor..

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