Tips for Identifying Hunger Cues

Date: May 06, 2006 Related Topics: healthy eating and TLC Snacks Written by: Kashi

Ask yourself these questions to help recognize hunger. If you answer “yes” to any of them, then you are not really hungry:

  1. Am I thirsty?
  2. Am I tired?
  3. Am I bored?
  4. When was the last time I ate &mdash was it less than three hours ago?
  5. Can I wait 15 minutes before I eat again? Until the next meal?

Now, rate your hunger.

  • On a scale from 1 to 10, what is my hunger? (“Not very hungry” is a 1, while “extremely hungry” is a 10. If you rate yourself an 8, 9, or 10, it’s time to eat.)

If it’s time to eat, select whole grain varieties of all your favorite foods like pasta, rice (and other grains), breads, cereals, energy bars, and crackers. Your heart and your taste buds will thank you!

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Dreamy
Deriklalala
Posted August 08, 2007 at 11:02 AM

That’s so true. Sometimes you think you’re hungry but all you are is thirsty. Instead of pulling out the chips, have a couple of glasses of water.

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pugmom7
Posted September 11, 2007 at 11:16 AM

I have a “bubba” keg. It holds 52 ounces of water. I fill that up in the morning and by the time I get off of work, I need a refill! I still need snacks to helps my tummy to stay happy in between meals.

Kc
Kacie
Posted November 22, 2007 at 03:49 AM

This is VERY TRUE. When I lost 30 pounds, it was mostly because I was constantly drinking water and I wasn’t as hungry during the day (plus excersize of course). Make a new water bottle friend to keep at your side!

D4
lyndon
Posted March 16, 2008 at 08:59 AM

I have been adding more protine and fiber to my diet ,I also drink water and smoothies ,It has helped to control my hunger and keep me healthy.