Touch and go
Hunger can be uncomfortable. Even a little scary, if we’re not used to it.
We wonder and worry:
What if I’m going to die? What if I can’t tolerate this empty feeling?
You won’t die. Nor will your muscles dissolve. Humans can survive for weeks without food.
And being a little hungry puts us in fat-burning mode.
You can tolerate the feeling.
Hunger comes and goes in waves. Most of the time it’s just a little uncomfortable.
Relax and breathe. You’ll be OK.
Try “touch and go” with being hungry, or anything else you notice today.
Pause, observe it for a few minutes, then move on.
Like this:
“Man, I could totally go for a cheeseburger right now! This is a serious craving! Huh. That’s interesting. Am I really hungry? [waiting] Kind of. OK, I’ll wait a little while longer and see how it goes.”
Think about stopping at 80% full — and observing your hunger and fullness — as merely pausing.
It’s not forever. Touch and go.
Today, try playing the hunger game.
- When you notice yourself wanting food, pause for a moment. Are you physically hungry? What are the body cues that would tell you?
- While you’re eating, pause. Are you physically satisfied? What are the body cues that would tell you?
We don’t want you to starve. We simply want you to pause.
Wait. Check in.
Notice what your body is saying.
Are you hungry right now?
How do you know?
Take a minute. Check in.
Put your hand on your stomach. What do you feel?
Do you need to eat right now?
Do you want to eat right now?
Do you feel like you should eat right now?
If you’re having trouble with this, you’re not alone. Most of us have forgotten what it’s like to feel truly physically hungry (or satisfied).
Play the hunger game as you work on learning how to stop at 80% full.