Physical or physiological hunger, once it appears, tends to increase gradually and can be satisfied with any type of food, so that a healthy meal can be chosen without problems. Once you eat, you don’t need more, since you experience the feeling of satiety. What is emotional hunger? One day someone told me that there would always be people with obesity, and despite the fact that he mentioned it in a work context, the reality is that this phrase, in addition to being true, is not encouraging at all. According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT), in 2016, 73% of the adult population in Mexico was already overweight or obese; ranking second in the world behind the United States, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It is known that the problem lies in the kind of food we eat, the frequency and the amounts. However, there is a factor that somehow interferes with the art of good eating, since you don’t always eat because you are really hungry, sometimes it is done to cover up certain emotions. The latter is known as emotional hunger or emotional eating. Related article: “Differences between physical hunger and emotional hunger: eating without need takes its toll” Difference Between Physiological Hunger and Emotional Hunger Physical or physiological hunger, once it appears, tends to increase gradually and can be satisfied with any type of food, so that a healthy meal can be chosen without problems. Once you eat, you don’t need more, since you experience the feeling of satiety. On the contrary, emotional hunger appears suddenly with desires to eat a specific food, especially unhealthy food; however, once you manage to satisfy the craving, that apparent “hunger” does not disappear, because you want to continue eating. The relationship between hunger and emotions Since childhood, consciously or unconsciously, we associate food with emotions. For example, the feeling of security of a baby when taking her milk in the arms of the father or mother; rewards with sweets or unhealthy food for accomplishment, be it good behavior or high grades. There is even a popular phrase that says: “sorrows with bread are less”, so we learn that sadness, abandonment, resentment, among others, are reduced by eating. In situations of sadness or happiness, food can activate reactions in the brain that are pleasant. An example of this is chocolate, which triggers a compound called phenylethylamine, which generates a state of well-being; Furthermore, chocolate releases endorphins and serotonin, which is why it is considered a natural antidepressant. As mentioned above, it is not a real feeling of hunger, but the unconscious desire to fill an emptiness, which is not in your stomach… it is an emotional discomfort. In this case, the person cannot take charge of said discomfort, since sometimes they are not aware of it, so they confuse this feeling with hunger and try to compensate by eating. On the other hand, there are times when the person manages to be aware of those specific emotions, but has not made the decision to address them, so that dissatisfaction continues. Hard to tell them apart Perhaps if the person were to question themselves about that hunger they feel, they could come to the conclusion that it could be a hunger for affection, a need for a hug; perhaps fear of being abandoned, of feeling alone, of being rejected; or simply going through a moment of great concern or anxiety. No matter how hard you try, it’s something that food can never satisfy, thus contributing to weight gain and guilt. You may be interested: “Types of Anxiety Disorders and their characteristics” How emotional hunger is satisfied How to deal with emotional hunger The first step may be to realize what you are feeling or thinking at that moment in which you cannot be satisfied; Perhaps you are going through a situation in your life that causes you worry, sadness, stress, happiness. Give a name to what you are feeling, discover what thoughts invade your mind, and what need you have at that moment. Go to the nutritionist. When it comes to eating, it is necessary to learn which are the right portions for you, in addition to keeping track of the hours in which you have to eat. That way, you’ll be able to more easily identify when emotions start to get confused with hunger. Do exercise. This will allow you, in addition to improving your health, to discharge negative emotions such as stress and anxiety. It also works as a natural antidepressant, as it releases endorphins and serotonin that improve mood. Seek help to work that emotional discomfort. You can start by sharing it with someone you trust; If the problem persists, do not hesitate to go to the psychologist, who will give you the necessary help. The main thing in The main thing in this topic is to pay attention to the emotional needs that you may present. Otherwise, you give your body an over-intake of food, which ends up being detrimental to your health. Listen to your body and attend to its need. Give your emotional area the importance it requires, so that you find the well-being you deserve.