Hunger check-in
Hungry, or something else?
A one-minute check-in for the moment a craving hits. Based on the approach our registered dietitian uses with her clients.
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When did you last eat a meal or snack?
Physical vs emotional hunger
| Physical hunger | Emotional hunger |
|---|---|
| Comes on gradually | Comes on suddenly |
| Any food sounds good | Craves a specific comfort food |
| Stops when you're full | Keeps going past full |
| Growling stomach, low energy | Starts with a feeling: stress, boredom, sadness |
| Leaves you satisfied | Often followed by guilt |
Why emotional eating happens
Food is fast, reliable comfort. Stress, boredom, loneliness and tiredness are the most common triggers our dietitian sees in her clients, and comfort foods do bring brief relief. The goal isn't to never eat for comfort: it's to notice it, and to have other ways to handle the feeling most of the time.
Go deeper: 10 ways I help clients with emotional eating, how to stop emotional eating and mindful eating strategies.
This check-in is for general education and isn't a diagnosis. If eating feels out of control, or you're struggling with your mood, please talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.