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Why Do I Get Hungry After Sex?
It’s totally normal Feeling hungry after sex is something that happens to a lot of people. It may seem hard to believe, but there are good reasons your body craves it.
A lot of folks joke it’s the “post-sex munchies,” and fact is, there are real biological underpinnings to this.
Factor in that spike in hormones, a modest calorie burn and the “rest-and-digest” phase that follows, and your body literally is sending you a message: It needs fuel. Here are several of the reasons this occurs.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones are released in abundance during sexual arousal and orgasm. Testosterone surges and increases appetite, which is why a lot of men feel so ravenous during sex.
Dopamine (released at orgasm) turns on your brain’s reward center and makes you want a treat. And oxytocin, the “bonding” hormone, may also raise appetite in a restful state of connectedness.
Even ghrelin (commonly referred to as the “hunger hormone”) may spike with these adjustments, exacerbating their impact. All of these changes collectively signal your body that it’s time to restock its fuel.
Increased Metabolic Rate
Sex is like a brief workout. Your heart rate goes up, you burn some calories. Men (women too, but a little less) typically cover about 100 calories in 30-minutes.
It’s not a whole lot, but your body knows. Your body leaves the state of exercise with its metabolism a bit boosted and hungry for refueling — sex not excluded. If sex is low-impact exercise, so to speak, your body still wants to replenish the lost energy.
Blood Sugar and Energy Levels
Any activity (including sex) requires your body to use its energy (glucose) and the stored fuel it has available.
The moment your blood sugar even nudges down slightly, your brain sounds immediate hunger alarms. It can leave you craving fast energy, such as a high-carbohydrate snack.
That may be why you find yourself craving something sweet or starchy afterward. In other words, after you have sex your body is frequently saying “Feed me.”
Dehydration and Nutritional Needs
Sex can in fact surprisingly dehydrate you — you may find yourself breathing heavier or breaking a sweat.
Even being mildly dehydrated can cause a sensation that’s often mistaken for hunger, since the brain doesn’t always interpret thirst for what it is. By drinking water (or other hydrating liquid) both before and after sex, you might help stave off this confusion.
And if you began sex on an empty belly, or lost electrolytes (think sodium or potassium) from sweating, your body might be hankering for a healthy snack after sex. Something as simple as being well-hydrated and well-nourished can help.
Psychological and Emotional Factors
After orgasm, your body switches to what is knows as the relaxation phase (the parasympathetic “rest and digest” phase).
You feel peaceful and satisfied — it’s a perfect time to have a snack. Unbeknown to you, perhaps, you’ve just felt like treating yourself; or maybe you love nothing better than sharing something nice with your other half.
Both sex and good food stimulate the brain’s reward centers, so a passion for comfort food isn’t surprising.
Good old emotional bonding counts, too: sharing a meal after sex can even enhance that bond. In other words, the simple pleasure and stress-reducing effects of sex are enough to move your body to ask for more fuel.
ED Drugs on Empty Stomach
For some men, there is also the matter of medication. Viagra, Cialis, etc. These drugs help blood flow but may upset your stomach first on an empty stomach In that case, some men say they do feel more nauseous or even hungrier afterward.
The easy remedy is to eat your ED pill along with a light snack. That way you won’t feel hungry or weird after sex!
Tips for Managing Post-Sex Hunger
Healthy snack: When you get those hunger pangs, munch your favorite healthy snack like Greek yogurt with berries, a small handful of nuts or a piece of fruit.
These deliver protein, fiber and slow-release serotonin to keep you satisfied without a sugar crash. Yogurt, for one, contains protein which can keep you fuller longer.
Plan for a light meal: Eat a light, balanced meal at or around your typical intimate time. For instance, experiment with a vegetable soup or a lean-protein salad.
It generally works well to have a small snack (before or after sex) so that you do not have epic cravings later on. Steady blood sugar reduces sudden binges.
Hunger can be a sign that we need nourishment; if you’re truly hungry, by all means, eat something nourishing. And when you’re satisfied, stop eating. Avoid eating out of habit or boredom—concentrate on genuine hunger cues.
Eat a healthy diet: A well-rounded diet can keep hunger at bay. Ensure you’re getting enough protein, fiber and healthy fats throughout the day.
A balanced diet also helps maintain even blood sugar (and makes it less likely that you’ll hit energy deficits so severe your body overcompensates by gorging food later).
When to Seek Medical Advice
Mild Hunger Pains After Sex Are Usually Harmless And Nothing To Be Concerned About. But if you find you’re always quite that hungry, or the severity of your hunger is complicated by other symptoms (such as much-too-rapid weight loss, ongoing fatigue or new digestive issues), it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor.
That kind of intense or unusual hunger could be a signal that there’s an underlying problem (like a hormone imbalance or off-kilter blood sugar). Just make a quick checkup and get some peace of mind when in doubt.
Bottom Line
If you’re peckish after sex, this is very likely simply your body’s method of recovering. Hormone fluctuations, a little calorie burn, mild dehydration and emotional unspooling all combine to encourage hunger.
This generally is nothing to be concerned about. You can combat it by drinking water and, if you are truly hungry, munching on a healthful small snack. Indulging in a light treat with your partner can actually be a fun part of the process, even.
But if you ever experience hunger that doesn’t seem quite normal, don’t be afraid to seek help. Otherwise, it’s just a normal reaction.