Have you ever experienced the feeling of being both hungry and angry at the same time? This common phenomenon is called "hangry." When you are hangry, your blood sugar levels drop, causing you to feel irritable, moody, and even angry. In this blog post, we will discuss why feeling hangry happens and provide you with five effective tips to avoid it.

Why Does Feeling Hangry Happen?

Feeling hangry is caused by fluctuating blood sugar levels. Glucose is your brain's primary fuel source, and when it drops, it can cause a stress response in your body that makes you feel frustrated, tired, and moody. Additionally, when you eat foods that are high in sugars or simple carbs, insulin is secreted, which can cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low. This drop in blood sugar can trigger the production of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can make you feel hangry.

Tip 1: Don't Wait Too Long Between Meals

One of the best ways to avoid feeling hangry is to eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day. Waiting too long between meals can cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low, which can trigger feelings of hunger and irritability. To prevent this from happening, aim to eat every 3-4 hours to keep your blood sugar levels stable. If you find yourself getting hungry between meals, have a healthy snack, such as a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts, to tide you over until your next meal.

Tip 2: Include Good Fats and High-Quality Protein in Your Diet

Eating foods that are high in good fats and high-quality protein can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. These foods take longer to digest than simple carbs, which can help keep your blood sugar levels stable. Some examples of good fats and high-quality protein include nuts, seeds, avocados, salmon, and chicken. It's also important to choose complex carbs, such as whole grains and vegetables, over simple carbs, like sugary snacks and white bread, which can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and then drop, leaving you feeling hungry and irritable.

Tip 3: Avoid Bad Mood Foods

Bad mood foods are those that are high in sugar and simple carbs, which can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, leading to feelings of hunger and irritability. Some examples of bad mood foods include candy, soda, white bread, and sugary cereals. Instead, choose foods that are low in sugar and high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent feelings of hunger and irritability.

Tip 4: Choose Good Mood Foods

Good mood foods are those that are rich in fiber and slow to digest, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. These foods include whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Additionally, foods that are high in magnesium, such as leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains, can help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent feelings of hunger and irritability.

Tip 5: Be Organized

Being organized is key to preventing feelings of hunger and irritability. Plan out your meals and snacks for the week, and make sure you have healthy options on hand. This can help prevent you from reaching for unhealthy snacks when you're hungry and pressed for time. Additionally, always keep healthy snacks on hand, such as fruit, nuts, and seeds, to tide you over between meals. This will help prevent your blood sugar levels from dropping too low and causing you to feel hangry.

Bonus Tip: Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help prevent feelings of hunger and irritability. When you are dehydrated, your body can mistake thirst for hunger, leading you to reach for unhealthy snacks. Additionally, drinking water can help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent feelings of hunger and irritability.

Conclusion

Feeling hangry is a common experience that can be frustrating and uncomfortable. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can prevent feeling hangry and keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. Remember to eat regular, balanced meals, including good fats, high-quality protein, and complex carbs. Avoid bad mood foods that are high in sugar and simple carbs, and choose good mood foods that are high in fiber and slow to digest. Being organized and planning out your meals and snacks can also help prevent feelings of hunger and irritability.

Don't forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and prevent feelings of hunger. By making these simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can improve your overall well-being and avoid feeling hangry. So, the next time you feel yourself getting hungry and irritable, remember to use these tips to help prevent feeling hangry. Here's to happy, healthy, and hangry-free days ahead!