Physical hunger or mental hunger?

Either your body is hungry or your mind is hungry.

1. Physical hunger is about food; mental hunger is not.

• Physical hunger is about your body's need for food (energy).

• Mental hunger is about your need for something other than food.

2. Physical hunger has physical signs; mental hunger has emotional signs.

• Signs of physical hunger include: your stomach growling, feeling irritable, having a hard time concentrating, and experiencing a low level of energy.

• The main sign of mental hunger is wanting to suppress or control an emotional state. For example, feeling bored, lonely, angry, stressed, or disappointed.

3. Physical hunger is general; mental hunger is specific.

• Physical hungry is general; any food will satisfy your hunger or need for energy.

• Mental hunger is specific; only a specific food or taste (sweet, salty, etc.) will satisfy your hunger.

4. Physical hunger builds gradually; mental hunger is immediate.

• Physical hunger builds gradually and gets stronger over time.

• Mental hunger (cravings) comes on suddenly, and you generally feel an immediate need to satisfy it.

5. Physical hunger can't go away without eating; mental hunger can.

• Physical hunger will only go away once you eat something (give your body energy).

• Mental hunger can go away by distracting yourself, letting time pass, or by satisfying the real need (for example reducing stress or getting sleep).

 

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