Avoiding Hunger Hostility

Avoiding Hunger Hostility

Call it what you like: hungry hostile, “hangry”, hypoglycemic, ragingly ravenous, desperate. . . we’ve all been there.

It’s those moments when our hunger surges so strongly that all of our knowledge about healthy eating and self-control goes out the window - as we roll down the window and place an order we will later regret at the closest fast food drive-thru. At the time, it seems like the only option. After all, by this point, you’re close to shaking you’re so hungry, and waiting even another five minutes seems too much to bear.

 

If you’ve been there, especially if you find yourself in this situation on a regular basis, acknowledge it and plan ahead. It’s far easier than you might imagine, and it comes down to simple preparation rather than fending off temptation in those desperate moments.

The key to avoiding the fast food fix (or convenience store or vending machine or leftover donuts in the break room) is to always, ALWAYS have something healthy at your fingertips. This does not mean you have to pack a cooler every time you get in the car, but rather think of snacks that have staying power and require virtually nothing to acquire or keep fresh.

The critical aspect of this strategy is to have it, literally, at your fingertips, so you can quiet the “hangry” episode and hold yourself over until you have access to healthier choices.

Keep something in your handbag, glove compartment, desk drawer, (all three?) or wherever you find yourself in this situation, and never be without a healthy choice.

Suggestions include

• A Tupperware container of 10 raw nuts 
• A whole grain Nutri-Grain bar
• A foil pouch of tuna (no refrigeration required)
• A protein bar (limit to 150 calories and < 12 g sugar)

Another key to the success of this strategy is to have it there even if you don’t think you’ll need it anytime soon. Being prepared in this manner can only leave you eating more healthfully more consistently, even when desperation hits. And, with no spoilage to consider (unless, of course, you leave that tuna pouch in your glove compartment for years), you have little to nothing to lose, except for the feelings of regret that accompany your french fry fix. A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to calming the hunger hostility.

(Today’s weekly nutrition article was written by FMAR/CMWL’s nutrition student - Samantha Reiff)