HANGRY (Hungry + angry)
There is indeed a physiological reaction called hangry – an urban lingo to describe the combination of hunger and anger. When you are hungry, your body’s sugar levels drop and that makes you cranky – remember how kids throw a tantrum when they are hungry?
What you can do: If you are ‘hangry’ and it’s not meal time yet, you can treat yourself to healthy snacks like roasted chickpeas, granola bars or may be a healthy yogurt. “That should stabilize your blood sugar levels and make the hanger go away,” suggests nutritionist Mansi Chatrath.
WATER HUNGER
Many a times, you are plain thirsty still your brain tells you that you are hungry. Giving in to water hunger will derail you from your wellness goals, since you will be consuming calories without being actually hungry. Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day is the key.
What you can do: Differentiating real hunger and water hunger is not too hard. If you feel hungry, try sipping on some water before giving in to your hunger pang. “Having adequate water helps you avoid overeating. Do not reach out for a snack at the first sign of hunger, instead drink water. Then wait for 15 minutes and if you still feel hungry, go for a snack,” shares nutritionist Karishma Chawla.
BORED HUNGER
Yes, this is for real. When you are bored, your body makes you feel hungry. Picture this: You are bored. You know you are not hungry, yet you walk into the kitchen and find something to munch. Eating out of boredom is a dangerous trend.
What you can do: Whenever you feel the ‘bored hunger’, try having a glass of water or chew on gum. And then try to distract your mind by reading a pending book or taking a brisk walk. If the hunger still refuses to go, take slices of cucumber or carrot or have assorted nuts.
TV HUNGER
You are watching your favorite series on the TV and you start to crave for a snack. If you don’t resist the urge to snack on a bag of chips and your favourite soda, you would have consumed far more empty calories than your body can take.
What you can do: Watching TV or a movie frees up your hand for snacking but that does not mean that you have to eat – sit with a few slices of carrots and hummus and take time to chew. Also, have a bottle of water handy.
EMOTIONAL HUNGER
Are you among those who reach out for food when they are stressed or anxious? Studies prove that food calms your senses but it is not a very healthy way to beat blues.
What can you do: When you are feeling low, distracting your mind is the technique that works best. Try to engage in things that make you feel happy. Working out helps release oxytocin, also known as happy hormone.
Last but not the least is real hunger. This is the hunger that tells you it’s time to eat. If you ignore it, it will cause low blood sugar or may even give you a headache and complaining stomach.
