For some people, it's quite hard to differentiate their real hunger from emotional eating.
When they're bored, tired, or anxious, their first thought is to eat something - but it's definitely not hunger.
Meanwhile, here are a few signs of real hunger that can help you differentiate one from another.
Physical Sensations
Genuine hunger often comes with physical sensations like stomach growling or a hollow feeling in the stomach.
Emotional hunger is usually sudden and doesn't involve physical stomach sensations.
Gradual Onset
Hunger tends to build up gradually and is not an urgent or immediate feeling.
Emotional hunger may arise suddenly, triggered by emotions rather than a gradual physical need.
Specific Cravings
True hunger is open to various food options, and you may be willing to eat a variety of foods.
Emotional hunger often involves specific cravings for comfort foods or certain textures.
Energy Levels
Genuine hunger is accompanied by a decrease in energy levels, signaling the need for fuel.
Emotional hunger may not be associated with a genuine decrease in energy levels.
Mindful Eating
When genuinely hungry, you tend to eat more mindfully, savoring the flavors and enjoying the meal.
Emotional hunger often involves eating quickly and without much attention to the food.
Consistency with Mealtime
Occurs around regular meal times and is consistent with your body's natural hunger and fullness rhythm.
Can happen at any time, unrelated to regular meal schedules.
Hydration Awareness
Thirst is not easily confused with genuine hunger, and staying adequately hydrated can prevent false hunger signals.
Emotional hunger may be temporarily satisfied with water, as it is not rooted in physical need.
Previously, we talked about grapefruit benefits.
