Being mindful of when you are hungry is important rather than eating when you crave a certain food due to stress, exhaustion, anxiety, boredom, or depression. Hunger is individualized but there are some pitfalls to keep in mind.
Here are some tips to help you keep track and better understand hunger cues:
- Create a food diary or use our app to keep track of when you eat and how much you eat
- Watching a commercial and then wanting that food in your cupboard or at the grocery store does not necessarily mean your hungry
- Plan ahead with healthy snacks available before you sit down to watch TV
- Before you go to your refrigerator or cupboard, ask yourself if you are hungry
- Distract yourself by calling a friend or walking outside if you are craving unhealthy snacks or food
- Eat more slowly
True hunger cues are stomach growling, low energy, shakiness, headaches, and problems focusing on anything. If you do not have any of those symptoms, then you may be emotional eating.
Published on June 11, 2023
