Why does my stomach grumble when I'm hungry? This registered nurse has a simple explanation.
You’ve been working all morning without a second thought—until that familiar rumbling starts. Once that unmistakable grumble begins in your stomach, there’s no use in trying to fight it. Suddenly your stomach is the boss, and a lunch break is no longer optional. So what makes your stomach grumble? And what does that noise really mean?
Why Does My Stomach Grumble?
Stomach grumbling, known as borborygmus, is the sound of gas or food particles moving through your digestive tract.
When you eat, your intestines move food and liquid along by contracting and relaxing, a process known as peristalsis. Once the food has been digested, your intestines continue to move air along your digestive tract, creating rumbling sounds.
Stomach grumbles simply mean that you haven’t eaten in a while. Your intestines are always working to move food and air through your body. You’re more likely to hear sounds when you’re hungry because there’s no food in the intestines to muffle the noise.
So there you have it—when you hear stomach grumbles, it just means that there is no food being digested. If you feel hungry, go ahead and enjoy a meal or snack, but just because your stomach is making its presence known does not mean that your body needs a large meal. Listen to your hunger, and eat what you need to feel satisfied.
Once you eat something, you’ll notice the sounds start to quiet down. Even just a quick snack or small meal could be enough to quiet your gurgles.
It’s important to note that a constant rumbling sound may mean that you’re experiencing a chronic gastrointestinal condition such as irritable bowel syndrome. If you also notice frequent bloating, constipation or diarrhea along with the gurgling sound, talk with your doctor.
If you're looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd-pleaser, you've found the ideal recipe! These addicting, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone munching happily.
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Chocolate HummusThis chocolate hummus is a sweet and indulgent twist on the traditional recipe. Plus, it's so easy to make with just a handful of healthy ingredients. Serve with fresh fruit for a simple and delicious snack.
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato FriesThese air-fryer sweet potatoes are crispy and fried to perfection. Be careful not to eat all of these fries in one sitting, though!
Dried Fruit Energy BarsThese dried fruit energy bars are a wonderful breakfast option, especially for people on the go. They're easy to make ahead and are packed with healthy ingredients such as chia seeds, quinoa and oats, which will keep you fueled throughout the day. Looking for more options? Try these healthy fruit snacks that are made from real fruit and will delight kids and parents alike!
Roasted Curry ChickpeasWe coated chickpeas with simple seasonings to make a low-fat snacking sensation. It rivals the types sold in stores, with just a few ingredients.
Cucumbers with DillThese cucumber slices stay crisp thanks to the salt drawing out excess moisture. Snack on these instead of potato chips for a cool, crisp snack.
Healthy Peanut Butter CookiesOnly four ingredients and one bowl are needed for these quick and healthy peanut butter cookies. If you want to make this recipe gluten free, make sure the oat bran was made in a certified gluten-free facility.
For another healthy dessert, this healthy snickers recipe is certainly delicious.
Sesame-Garlic Pumpkin SeedsThis "everything" mix of pumpkin seeds with other seeds is a fun treat. It's perfect for road trips when you need something easy to snack on.
Three-Pepper GuacamoleYou can't go wrong with avocado when you're trying to eat a little healthier. Dip fresh cut veggies like carrots and celery in this guacamole that is just as good as what you get at a restaurant.
Confetti QuinoaThis quinoa dish is simple to make with just a few ingredients! It's the perfect healthy snack when you want something to hold you over for a longer period of time.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy BarsThese peanut energy bars are great for combatting your sweet tooth. They're also easy to make (and kid friendly, too!). Feel free to substitute the peanut butter with almond or sunflower butter if you have allergies.
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini PeppersMini peppers are colorfully vibrant and are the perfect size for a two-bite healthy snack. Plus, they have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories.
Watermelon CupsThis lovely healthy snack is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs.
Lime-Honey Fruit SaladNothing is more refreshing on a hot summer day than a fruit salad enhanced with a delicious honey-lime dressing. Pack this healthy snack in bags if you're on the go.
Cashew CheeseSpread this vegan cashew cheese on crackers, layer it on a toasted bagel or serve it with fresh vegetables. It also makes a delicious, out-of-the-ordinary sandwich spread!
Stuffed Asiago-Basil MushroomsThese stuffed mushrooms are delightful healthy snacks that will keep you feeling energized and satisfied throughout your busy day.
Garlic Garbanzo Bean SpreadIf you want to make a dip that's more unique, this bean dip is a quick and easy way to get more protein in. Use it with fresh veggies and even fruit for a sweet and salty flavor.
Marinated ShrimpIf you're a seafood lover, this shrimp recipe is for you. Pop a few of these salty and satisfying shrimps in your mouth, and your cravings for junk food will be gone.
Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping SauceThese cute pot stickers are a wonderful snack that hold a ton of flavor. And the dipping sauce? Insanely finger lickin' good.
Roasted Peppers and CauliflowerThe seasoned, roasted peppers and cauliflower are great for dipping and snacking. They are healthy, fresh and beautifully crispy.
Roasted Eggplant SpreadBlack pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp crackers, baby carrots and celery sticks.
Mini Zucchini PizzasLooking for low carb? This simple snack recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy your pizza cravings while skipping the usual carb-filled crust.
Black-Eyed Pea Tomato SaladIf you're looking for a more substantial snack, you can't go wrong with this dippable salad. It's great on its own, but even better when you dip some whole wheat crackers into it.
Makeover Deviled EggsThis updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of the original recipe and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. We replaced the mayo with fat-free mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream.
Tangy Texas SalsaThe combination of sweet fruit, spicy jalapeno and peppery cilantro is perfect for dipping. Try it with pretzels, crackers or cherry tomatoes for snacking.
Polenta Mushroom AppetizersThis appetizer is wonderful as a starter, but it also works as a healthy snack option. These bite-sized mushrooms are just what the doctor ordered.
Zucchini & Cheese RouladesThis recipe is the adult snack of your dreams. Feel free to change the filling any way you like. For example, use feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in place of the olives.
Peach BruschettaAs a starter or light healthy snack, this bruschetta is a wonderful way to hold onto the summer season with fresh peach amid a medley of lively flavors.
Shrimp Salad AppetizersThis refreshing app is also great as a quick snack. The mix of vibrant flavors will keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day.
Garlic Pumpkin SeedsThis yummy, microwave-easy pumpkin seed recipe is great if you usually crave unhealthy chips. Feel free to add any other seasonings to the mix, like paprika or chili powder for more heat.
Chipotle Berry Fruit SalsaNot too hot, but with a bit of a kick, this salsa is a delectable chip dip that everyone will want more of. Just double the recipe and watch it disappear.
Edamame HummusThis hummus recipe is a wonderful way to incorporate healthy soy into your diet. Try this out with pretzel sticks, sliced red peppers or carrot sticks.
Homemade Peanut ButterYou can't go wrong with homemade peanut butter! This is great and fun for dipping. Try sliced bananas, celery sticks or crackers.
Cheesy Cauliflower BreadsticksThese grain-free, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables instead of flour, if you can believe it. Serve these healthy snacks with your favorite marinara sauce.
Roasted Red Pepper TapenadeThis tangy recipe only takes 15 minutes to whip up before popping in the fridge. The dip is best paired with carrot sticks or some simple crackers.
Herb-Roasted Olives & TomatoesEat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or cheese slices. This makes a beautiful and tasty dip, even on the go!
Grilled Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts may have a bad reputation, but they are actually insanely delicious once you give them a chance. This snack is great for veggie lovers who want to get more nutrients to stay full for longer.
Grilled Veggies with Mustard VinaigretteGrilled veggies are a summer favorite. For a quick snack, cut these veggies into bite sized pieces and say goodbye to your unhealthy cravings.
Mango Barley SaladThis fresh, colorful mango salad is a wonderful option if you want something sweet. The bright flavor is perfect for a smart healthy snack.
Yogurt & Honey Fruit CupsThis tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is guaranteed to disappear fast! This snack is sweet without being too rich.
Grilled Zucchini with OnionsWhile you may not think of zucchini as a snack, cut them into bite sized pieces and you'll have a delicious grilled snack that won't make you miss greasy fried food.
Mocha Pumpkin SeedsAny seasoned pumpkin seeds are a great healthy snack, but these chocolatey seeds will curb your desire for something more indulgent.
Baked Parmesan Breaded SquashBaked yellow squash is a great snack when you're craving salty chips. The squash gets perfectly baked so it's just as crunchy as chips, but better for you.
Now a freelance health and food writer, Carrie worked as a nurse for over a decade. When she isn't hunched over her laptop with a baby in hand, you will find her cooking her grandmother’s recipes, lacing up her running shoes or sipping coffee in the bathroom to hide from her three young children.
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