Everyone gets hungry. Eating is how you give your body the energy it needs so that you can function. Of course, not all food is created equal. There are certain foods that will help your body run optimally and others that will leave you feeling sluggish and exhausted.
In addition to knowing which foods are best for your body, you need to understand your hunger. Cravings may exist for a reason, and feeling satisfied and overly full could be the difference in gaining weight or not. Below are some ways to help you understand your hunger.
What is Hunger?
Hunger is pretty complex. It involves the digestive system, brain, and endocrine system. When a person is hungry, they may feel tired and weak. They may also have a hard time concentrating and focusing. Their stomach may even start to growl. When it gets to this point, eating something will increase your energy levels and allow you to focus and concentrate on what you are doing.
If you ignore these symptoms, they will intensify. Your stomach will start to hurt, and you’ll find it even more challenging to concentrate. You may even become lightheaded. Irritability and anger may also set in. For some people, they may also experience the shakes or get a headache.
When Should You Stop Eating?
Your body will let you know when it has enough food to fulfil its needs. Some of the signals you may feel include your stomach feeling a comfortable full, not overly stuffed. You should also feel energized, more alert, and calm. It can take up to 20 minutes for your stomach to let your brain know that it’s full, so taking your time to eat can be beneficial.
Some cues to look for that you might be overeating include discomfort and/or pressure in the stomach area. If you continue to eat, your stomach may start to hurt or you may feel queasy. You may also notice that you are eating mechanically and no longer enjoying the food. Eventually, you’ll start to feel sluggish.
Paying attention to your body’s signals is the best way to keep in tune with how much food it needs and to stop yourself from overeating. You might also consider talking to a professional and figuring out a plan to ensure that your food gives you the energy you need to make it through your day.
The pros at Sloan Natural Health Center have the expertise to help you with your health and hunger needs. Contact them today.
