How to know if you’re actually hungry

Heading to the kitchen but not sure why? Pause and ask yourself these three questions so you’ll know what to do next.

Let’s dive a little deeper...

Think of internal hunger like utility bills. You have to pay every month to keep the lights on and the water running, just like you have to fuel your body with food every day.

External hunger is all the extras. Sure, getting your nails done after a hard day or stopping for coffee before work isn’t a necessity, but sometimes it’s what you want (or need). The same goes for external hunger. You may not have felt hungry before walking by a bakery, but the scent of fresh croissants, boredom, or another emotion could have flipped a metaphorical switch.

Now, we’re not saying you should only respond to internal hunger cues. It’s totally OK to have a slice of cake just because it’s sitting in the fridge or stress-eat handfuls of popcorn during a scary movie. Simply recognising the difference between internal and external hunger can help you make informed decisions about what to eat, how much, and when.