When opting to eat a healthier diet, one thing that may concern you is whether or not that hunger pain you are feeling is just that or something else entirely. Cravings can be mistaken for hunger, so it is important to know which is which. A true sign of hunger needs to be acknowledged, since food is a source of nutrition and energy. If you ignore your hunger, it could even lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. This is especially true for those suffering from hypoglycemia. If you aren’t sure whether or not your desire to eat is out of a craving or out of true phsyical hunger, read below on tips to distinguish between the two.

Signs of true physical hunger may include:

• rumbling stomach
• headache
• irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• dizziness

Is it a craving?

A craving, on the other hand, is something that can easily go away if you become distracted by something (a phone call, a visitor, etc). Cravings can occur for a variety of reasons, maybe you’re feeling more stressed then usual, lack of sleep or even just simple boredom. People often mistake cravings for hunger and then overeat, promoting unhealthy weight gain. One suggestion to counteract cravings is to do something else that you enjoy, like a hobby (read a book, sew, knit, play a video game). If your craving isn’t gone after about 30 minutes, then it may be that you really are hungry and should have a light snack. When you crave something, think about eating an apple. If you can’t bring yourself to eat an apple, then chances are you actually aren’t hungry. You’re just craving a slice of cake or a cookie. Instead of giving in to your sweet tooth, wait until you are actually hungry to eat. That way, you won’t be getting any unnecessary calories or packing your stomach when it’s already full. Remember, a craving is usually for something specific (a brownie, a bag of chips) but it doesn’t always mean that you are actually hungry and in need of sustenance.

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