Are you eating because you are truly hungry?
February 21st, 2015
We all eat for many reasons aside from providing the calories needed to maintain our metabolism. Here are some other reasons:
- To be social. You ate dinner, but are meeting up with friends just as they sit down to dinner. It’s tough to not share food with them, even if its just dessert or some bread.
- For the enjoyment of eating. You’re stuffed after Thanksgiving dinner and your mother brings out a delicious pie she baked that is your favorite. Sure, your stomach is full of turkey, but you want to enjoy your favorite food.
- Pressure from others. People (usually relatives) say you look skinny and need to put on more weight.
- Boredom. You’re sitting in front of the TV and are watching many commercials with advertisements for foods. The sight of food can trigger hunger, even if it’s just on a TV commercial.
- Thirst. In many cases, your brain confuses your body’s thirst (mild dehydration) for hunger. After all, many foods are primarily water and will satiate your thirst.
- To stay awake. Many people who don’t get enough sleep will sometimes snack on sugary foods to provide “quick energy” much as they would drink coffee.
- Alcohol enhances the taste of food and increases your appetite. In many European countries, people will start their meals with an aperitif, which is an alcoholic drink.
The next time you are hungry and it’s not near mealtime, ask yourself why you need to eat. If it’s any of the above, avoid the temptation to eat. If you don’t know the answer, I recommend drinking a glass of water and waiting 10 minutes. Do something that requires full brain concentration like a puzzle or take a walk outside and get fresh air. If you still feel hungry, you can eat a small amount of a snack containing protein such as unsalted nuts, boiled egg, or a non-fat yogurt.
