Why Am I Starving So Early After Breakfast

Every morning I eat my breakfast of organic whole grain cereal, skim milk and blueberries. I’m trying to be healthy, but when I get to work an hour later I’m already starving. I feel like I have such a big appetite! What can I do?
First I want to say that what you are experiencing is extremely common. I would say that the majority of my nutrition clients come to me with this exact issue. And I understand why – eating a breakfast of organic cereal, skim milk, and blueberries seems like the “perfect” healthy breakfast straight out of all the diet books and magazines.
But often this meal leaves us with a blood sugar spike – a fast rise in blood sugar that falls quickly and leaves us feeling hungry soon after. This situation is the common paradox that occurs when we try to eat healthy: FIRST we change our breakfast to one with “healthier” ingredients. BUT because these “healthier” ingredients are missing some important components, we feel unsatisfied soon after eating. THEN we end up eating more than usual. And EVENTUALLY we feel guilty for being “a person with a big appetite”. How does this happen?
Let’s take a closer look at the breakfast…
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Organic Whole Grain Cereal = A complex carbohydrate with fiber – often has added sugar (cane sugar is just another name for sugar) which is a simple carbohydrate.
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Skim Milk = A simple carbohydrate with the fat removed.
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Blueberries = A simple carbohydrate (with an abundance of antioxidants).
What we have here are a lot of carbohydrates. Energy-providing and essential to the functioning of the body, carbohydrates are made of sugar. When sugar enters the body it eventually reaches the blood stream thereby causing a rise in blood sugar. Now a rise in blood sugar is not a bad thing – it is what gives energy to the body. It is when blood sugar rises too fast that is becomes a problem. Refined sugars, such as white sugar and brown sugar, cause the biggest spike. Simple sugars, such as those in honey and fruit, are next on the list, and complex carbs, such as whole grains, are last because their linked sugars take time to break down.
What can you do to slow down the rise of blood sugar? How can you feel satisfied for longer after a meal? Three words: fiber, fat, and protein. These three magic nutrients are the answer. Let’s take a closer look at the breakfast and see what can be done to add these three so it lasts longer…
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Organic Whole Grain Cereal:
- Contains fiber so will help
- Some have sugar added so look for cereals that do not have “cane sugar”, “cane juice”, “organic cane sugar”
- OR cook your own hot cereal using whole grains such as oats, amaranth, or millet (have a lot of fiber and are not refined or processed)
- Or consider eating eggs when you really need your meal to last (contain fat and protein)
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Skim Milk:
- Made of simple sugars with the fat removed
- An excellent alternative is a plain, whole fat (as nature intended), non-homogenized yogurt – the fat will help slow down the release of the simple sugars AND the yogurt will provide probiotics to help your digestion
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Blueberries
- A fantastic source of antioxidants and fiber
- I wouldn’t change a thing here BUT I would consider adding one of the following ingredients to help the meal be even more satisfying:
- Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans
- Flax, hemp or pumpkin seeds
- Coconut flakes
Do not be afraid of adding fat, protein and fiber to your diet. In the end, if you listen to your body’s hunger signals and eat when you’re hungry and finish when you’re satisfied, you will end up eating less – and enjoy the process much more along the way!
Health Benefits of Castor Oil Packs: What You Need to Know

Castor oil packs have been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support overall wellness. Countless people use them for pain relief, skin health, and even to support liver function. Simply soaking a cloth in castor oil and applying it to the skin, these packs are believed to help with detoxification, reduce inflammation, and promote better digestion. While castor oil packs are a relatively simple and gentle healing tool, understanding their proper use is essential to maximizing benefits and minimizing potential side effects.
What is Castor Oil?
Extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil has been valued for centuries across various cultures for its medicinal and industrial applications. This castor plant, native to Africa, India, and the Mediterranean region, has become one of the world’s oldest cultivated crops. The oil pulled from these seeds is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid believed to be responsible for many of its therapeutic properties.
Historically, castor oil’s use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was documented in medical papyri around 1550 BCE, primarily as a laxative to relieve constipation. Over time, its applications have diversified:
- Laxative Properties: Castor oil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a stimulant laxative. It works by stimulating nerves in the gastrointestinal tract and increasing bowel movements, which helps relieve occasional constipation.
- Skin Care: It serves as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, or itchy skin and minor skin irritations.
- Wound Healing: The oil contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that may aid in speeding up wound healing, especially when combined with other substances.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Castor oil may help reduce inflammation and possibly improve blood flow of the lymphatic system.
- Hair Care: It’s commonly used in hair products to condition and moisturize hair, promoting hair growth and overall hair health.