Working up an appetite in bed?
The logical explanation for craving a double-cheeseburger after sex might be the thought of replenishing the calories you burned. The physical activity, increased heart rate, and overall energy expenditure during sex might make you feel ready to refuel, right?
However, research suggests that your post-sex hunger isn't necessarily linked to a caloric deficit (unless you haven't eaten for an extended period). According to a study from the University of Quebec at Montreal, men in their 20s burn approximately 4.2 calories per minute during sex. That's a total of 101 calories over a hypothetical 24-minute session.
The link between hormones and hunger
Hormones, known for influencing various feelings, including desire, can also stir up hunger.During sex or masturbation, hormone levels naturally rise in both partners, with more pronounced spikes during partner sex, particularly in the context of foreplay. After orgasm, hormone levels level off, triggering the release of "feel-good" chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine. Here's where it gets interesting.
Research indicates that estrogen (the female sex hormone) suppresses hunger, while testosterone (the male sex hormone) stimulates it. Given that men typically experience more significant hormone spikes than women during sex, it explains why men often feel ravenous afterward.
Moreover, the post-sex munchies are influenced by your nervous system. Dr. Christopher Pavlinec notes that after an orgasm, the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for resting and eating, becomes predominant. This leads to heightened activation of hunger receptors, pushing you towards food and sleep. The post-sex appetite is akin to feeling hungry after a night of drinking, in that you're probably not craving low-calorie health foods. In simpler terms, after getting down and dirty, we often prefer indulging in comfort foods.
Craving junk food after sex?
Let's face it, post-intimacy, you're likely not reaching for a protein shake or steamed veggies. The craving tends to lean towards calorie-dense comfort food, and you're not alone.
In a 2017 Yelp survey of over 2,000 single millennials, the top post-sex meal was resoundingly pizza, with three-quarters of respondents expressing a craving for a slice. Tacos came in a "distant second."
So, the next time you indulge in a 2,000-calorie feast after some intimate moments, remember it's a completely normal part of your sex life. Pizza might not always be justified by science, but who's arguing?
At BlueChew, we're big fans of pizza 🍕, and food in general! Discover today how we can enhance your "pre-pizza" activities with a stronger and harder erection!
