What Are You Hungry For?

Figure out what you are hungry for. It isn't always for food!

• When you are tired, you are hungry for sleep.
• When you are thirsty, you are hungry for liquids.
• When you are feeling down, you are hungry for support.
• When you are feeling lonely, you are hungry for people.
• When you are feeling bored, you are hungry for stimulation.

Bottom line: Don't eat food when what you really need is friends, fluids, sleep or something fun to do!

Here is an acronym that may help...

HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
Before eating, ask yourself: Am I actually hungry? Or am I angry, lonely, or tired?

More Thoughts

Ice cream or cookies cannot give you a hug ... or extra sleep, or quench your thirst. The next time you want ice cream, maybe you should ask someone for a hug instead.

Many times when you think you are hungry, it's really because you are thirsty (see Drink Water). Always try to drink a glass of water before eating, and see how you feel a few minutes later.

If you are tired, take a nap ... or (ironically) get some exercise (getting the blood pumping can really wake you up).

For boredom, keep a list of activities nearby or put slips of paper in a jar, each with an idea. They can be simple: like walking around the block. If you're creative, grab pencils, crafts or whatever and make or draw something. Call a friend. Organize something. Anything to break monotony of what you were doing that was boring you.