Mind Hunger vs. Body Hunger

One of the greatest difficulties we encounter is distinguishing between "body” hunger and "mind” hunger.

Authentic messages from the body are produced by one simple source: hunger, or the need for nourishment. These should not be confused with "mind cravings” which are initiated by intellectual or emotional processes.

The urge to eat based on the time of day, mealtime, social events, availability or simply because it ‘sounds, looks or smells' good, are NOT body signals to eat. Boredom, loneliness, anger, frustration, insecurity and anxiety do not, in themselves, create physiological signals for eating. These are mental coping mechanisms which unfortunately, cause excess food intake.

True hunger is very erratic. It differs from one person to the next and varies from day to day and time of day. Listen to your body's signals and they will steer you in the right direction. Don't be influenced by others who try to impose their beliefs and attitudes about where, when, what and how much you should be eating.

Listen only to your own body. Do you have true body hunger or is it mind hunger?

The more you familiarize yourself with the signals, the more you will be able to control your hunger. Cultivate your internal awareness of whether you are eating out of emotion or satisfying a true body hunger. This attention will help you limit amounts, make better food choices (for nourishment) and portion control (since you're not soothing the emotion of the moment.)

All of this takes time to learn. Don't dwell on or feel guilty about past attempts or perceived failures. There is only one time that you can either put food in your mouth of decide not to – that is now, in the present. Mastering the skill of remaining tuned into the present experience makes it much easier to decide based on your current level or comfort. If you don't succeed at this moment, you will at the next.

So remember, always ask yourself, "Is this true body hunger or am I eating because of how I feel?”

Continue to learn about yourself and your relationship with food.

Hang in there. You can do it!

Dr. Doug