Am I Hungry?

Food

When you find yourself reaching for food, take a pause and ask… Am I Hungry? 

Look for hunger signs: stomach growling, fatigue, weakness. 

When did I last eat, would it make sense my body needs more fuel?

 If you aren’t sure ask yourself:

  • Would a cold, dry chicken breast solve this problem?
  • Would a bowl of raw carrots solve this problem? 
  • Would plain, warm, canned tuna solve this problem?

We have all been hungry enough at some point in our life that we would happily eat the above foods.

 If a boring, neutral food would not solve the problem, it is not hunger you are feeling. 

If I’m not hungry, what am I? 

  • Thirsty 
  • Bored 
  • Tired 
  • Stressed 
  • Lonely 
  • Wanting a reward 
  • Sad 
  • Mad 
  • Procrastinating 

What would actually solve this problem? 

  • Drink water
  • Call a friend 
  • Feel your feelings 
  • Journal
  • Read 
  • Draw
  • Color 
  • Sing 
  • Dance 
  • Pray 
  • Meditate 
  • Movement: go for a walk, stretch
  • Listen to music
  • Listen to stand-up comedy
  • Fancy tea or sparkling water for a reward

 Tool Box: Consider keeping a small box with some activities and a list of things to do in it when you feel the urge to eat

  • Soduku
  • Coloring book
  • Pictures that bring you joy 
  • Inspirational quotes
  • Cards
  • Magazine 
  • List of things you have wanted to do (match unmatched socks, write a thank you letter, organize junk drawer, call old friend, etc.)
  • Stress ball 

Remember, nothing on this list is likely to be as rewarding to your brain as food.

 Keep practicing replacing your habits: you will have to do dozens of times to change your patterns. 

It’s about progress, not perfection. 

You might also enjoy

WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC DISCLAIMER: Medical weight loss program results vary between individuals depending on initial weight, existing medical conditions and adherence to prescribed treatments. Speak to Dr. Shah about the results you can expect. No medical promises or guarantees are made as obesity is a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial disease. At Weight Sense Lake Nona, we provide medical weight loss programs to residents of Florida. The information on this website is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis, and medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please talk to your doctor before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or starting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. If you think this is a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately. Weight Sense LLC reserves the right to add, remove, or edit content from this page at its sole discretion
© Weight Sense LLC 2024