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When the stomach growls, people know it is time to eat. Even though satisfying that hunger is important, what is arguably more important is consuming foods that are filling. With the obesity epidemic at large, people should intake foods that can nourish the body and keep it full for a longer period of time. However, not all foods are created equal. Here are five foods that can make you feel hungrier:

1. White Bread

White bread is most likely a staple in many households across America. Unlike its wheat bread counterpart, white bread is arguably tastier. However, this product is made with white flour that has been stripped of its outer shell known as the bran. The bran is where most of the fiber content comes from and fiber can keep the body full for a longer period of time. Furthermore, white bread can contribute to increases in insulin levels, which triggers the brain into craving more food.

2. White Pasta

Like white bread, white pasta has very similar effects on the body. The main difference between these two food products is serving size. It is very easy to eat more than one serving of pasta, especially if people are eating out at restaurants. Once the body is packed with simple carbohydrates, the pancreas starts to produce insulin. When the insulin levels are elevated, the body's blood sugar levels start to dip, which triggers the brain to feel hungry again.

3. Fast Food

Even though fast food meals might appear to be extremely filling, these foods can actually increase people's desire to eat more. According to weight-loss specialist and board-certified internist Sue Decotiis, MD reported in TIME, the ingredients involved with making fast food items affect how the body processes food. For example, the high fructose corn syrup can trigger hunger pangs after the gastrointestinal tract absorbs all of the syrup, causing insulin levels to rise. In addition, the high levels of salt can lead to dehydration, which people might mistaken for hunger.

4. MSG

MSG, which stands for monosodium glutamate, is an ingredient used to flavor foods. It is most popularly linked to Chinese foods, but it can also be found in canned products, processed meats, beer and ice cream. Studies have tied MSG to an increased risk of obesity. One study found that MSG increases one's appetite by 40 percent. Another study reported that people who consume MSG were almost three times more likely to be overweight in comparison to people who did not consume as much MSG.

5. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are appealing to a lot of people because they contain zero calories. However, these sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose and saccharin can actually make people gain weight. The sweeteners increase appetite by exciting the brain cells and tricking them into thinking that they are going to get a serving of sugar. When the brain cells do not get that serving, the body can start to crave sweets throughout the day.

If people want to address their hunger without gaining a bunch of excess calories, they should replace these food items with healthier options.