Hunger Vs Food Craving: What’s The Difference?
When you eat, is it because you are physically hungry or psychologically craving food? Our bodies and minds deceive each other and confuse us into becoming or remaining overweight. Once you learn to recognize real hunger from cravings you can create a Cravings Substitute List and work on other anti-craving techniques to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Food craving and hunger are related but distinct sensations. Hunger is a physiological signal that your body needs nutrients and energy. It is often accompanied by physical symptoms like stomach growling, weakness, or lightheadedness. Hunger is regulated by hormones like ghrelin, which is produced in the stomach and signals the brain to stimulate appetite.
On the other hand, a food craving is a strong desire for a specific food, often unrelated to hunger or nutritional needs. Cravings can be triggered by environmental cues, emotions, or habits. They are influenced by neurotransmitters like dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward.
Take our assessment to find out if you are actually hungry or are just craving your favorite food!
How To Overcome Food Craving?
If you have occasional food cravings, that is totally fine. However, if you have a craving every single day then it is advised that you take the following measures:
- Identify The Trigger: Pay attention to what triggers your cravings. It could be stress, boredom, specific emotions, or environmental cues.
- Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger or food cravings. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Eat Regular Meals: Eating balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help you feel full and reduce cravings.
- Avoid Problem Foods: If certain foods trigger strong cravings, try to avoid keeping them in your home or workplace.
- Practice Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your food while eating. Chew slowly and savor each bite. This can help prevent overeating and reduce cravings.
- Manage Stress: Stress can trigger cravings. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a friend.
- Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can affect hunger hormones and increase cravings. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
- Stay Busy: Keeping yourself occupied with activities can distract you from food cravings.
- Seek Support: Talk to a friend, family member, or counselor about your cravings. Support can help you stay motivated to overcome them.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have a craving. It’s normal. Instead, acknowledge the craving and try to understand why it’s happening.
FAQs
Question: What 3 Things Cause Food Cravings?
Here are some factors that cause food cravings: External cues like watching your favorite show with a packet of chips, deprivation, and poor sleep.
Question: What Are The 5 Stages Of Craving?
Food Craving rarely leads to satisfaction. This is what happens when you have fulfilled your craving:
- Arousal
- Increased Attention
- Desire
- Consumption
- Regret
Question: What Deficiency Causes Craving?
A deficiency of Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium, and Chromium causes food cravings.