Master Physical & Emotional Hunger Cues Now: A Tip For The Busy Woman

Hi!

I’m Master Trainer Charlie!

Thank you for stopping by my corner of the internet, which is all about helping The Busy Woman live a healthier lifestyle to reach her goals!

Because F3 is more about realistic eating than restrictive eating, let's chat briefly about hunger cues, specifically the difference between physical and emotional hunger and the cues we receive when we experience them. Knowing the difference between the two can help you achieve your goals.

Speaking from experience, I didn't know how to recognize the difference between these two as an emotional eater for years. Let me tell you, this was true even after I started my fitness journey. Because I struggled with it for so long, I will also still revert to this unhealthy practice if I'm not mindful.

Because I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did, I want to share what helps me not revert to this habit when I’m overly stressed. Because aren’t we all at times?

The main thing I do is pay attention to how I feel emotionally and physically. I ask myself, "Am I tired or low on energy, or does my stomach feel empty, or is it growling?" I also think about the last time I ate something and whether the hunger I’m experiencing occurred gradually. I do this because these are all indications of physical hunger. 

Emotional hunger cues, in comparison, are usually directly related to stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions we may be experiencing. Another indication of emotional hunger is recognizing that we may have eaten something not long ago or experienced a sudden and intense craving for something specific, especially comfort-type foods, while not having any other physical hunger cues.

While we all experience physical and emotional hunger cues, remember that addressing physical hunger better aligns with your fitness/healthier lifestyle goals, while consistently giving in to emotional hunger can often derail them. Notice that I said “consistently”. Because consistency does matter, whether positive or negative.

So, the next time you feel hunger, consider whether you're experiencing emotional or physical hunger cues. And if you’re not sure, listen to your body. Physical hunger abates when your body is satiated, while emotional hunger doesn’t seem to go away no matter how much you eat, so you aren't satisfied. 

For chef-curated recipes across all meals, including snacks and desserts, that align with your goals while allowing you to create deliciously easy, realistic, and nutrient-dense meals and snacks, grab your copy of any F3 Recipe Pack here. Because when you do address your physical hunger, why not eat something delicious that aligns with your goals and keeps you on track?

Keep WORKING.

F3. LET’S WORK.

Talk soon.

Your Master Trainer,

Charlie