Are you hungry

Answer 1

Sounds like a simple question doesn't it? But the truth is most of us eat in response to environmental triggers instead of responding to true biological hunger. We learn early on that it's easier to eat everything on the plate instead of struggle with mom or dad or to suffer through a plate of broccoli to get dessert. We learn to eat because food smells good, it's lunch time or because we are bored. As a result, we ignore our own body signals and eat whether we are truly hungry or not.

Do you know your biological signals for hunger? Is it a mild stomach growling, an empty feeling inside or something else? Take some time to identify what your body's first signs of hunger are.

HUNGER-Rating Chart

10 = Thanksgiving stuffed

9 = So full it hurts

8 = Feeling quite full

7 = Starting to feel uncomfortable

6 = = Slightly ate too much

5 = Just right, you feel comfortable

4 = First signs it's time to eat

3 = Strong signs that it's time to eat

2 = Very hungry, cranky

1 = Extremely hungry, dizzy, weak, feeling sick

If you start eating at a "5" or higher, you are eating for external reasons and not because you are biologically hungry. If you wait too long to eat and you start eating at a "1" or a "2", you were overly hungry and most likely will end up overeating.

The best place to start eating is at a "3" or "4". At this point, your body is telling you that it's time for some nourishment but not to eat the entire box or bag of something. At this point you will be more likely to make logical and healthy choices, like an apple, nuts or yogurt.

You should aim at stopping eating at a "5". When you are feeling comfortable. You should also give yourself 20 minutes after eating before getting a second helping. Most of the time you really are done and just need to give your body time to realize this (digesting).

If you are stopping at a "6" or higher, you are overeating. When you "overeat" the extra calories that your body doesn't need right now, will be stored as reserve energy, also known as FAT!