5 hunger cues we don’t talk about enough

Hunger is an important and lifesaving message from your body. It’s a signal from your body and brain that you need more energy for optimal functioning. What sucks though is that many of us don’t really learn how to listen to our bodies, and it’s very common to not be able to recognize our hunger. I ask almost every client some version of this question:

🔸what does hunger feel like in your body?

🔸how do you experience your hunger?

🔸how do you know when you’re hungry?

Do you want to know the most common answers?

🔸“I feel my stomach growling”

🔸“there is a hollow, empty feeling in the stomach”

🔸"my stomach makes noise”

I love the stomach, aka expanding pouch full of battery acid, but it’s not the official sponsor of hunger. Your body can communicate a need for fuel in many different ways! In addition, depending on how your nervous system is functioning on any given day, or where you are in your recovery, “classic” hunger cues might not be present at all.

Here are 5 hunger cues that you might not know about:

🔸headache

🔸thinking about what you are going to eat next

🔸struggling to stay focused, or concentrate on the task at hand

🔸feeling sleepy, like you could lay down for a nap

🔸overall fatigue and exhaustion

My work starts almost always begins with exploration, reflection, and building awareness. If you can, take a pause, and a deep breath. What is my body communicating to me in this moment? Am I noticing any signs of hunger?

If you’re feeling frustrated and disconnected from your hunger for a while, check out this post which goes deeper into the WHY.

You deserve to be seen, heard, and known. As a Registered Dietitian, my primary job is to provide a space for you to show up as yourself and to allow all parts of you to be seen. If you are feeling stuck, confused, and disconnected, I would love to support you. It is possible to reconnect with your body and your hunger, at your pace, rooted in your values. Click here to schedule a free call with me!