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Am I eating because I'm actually hungry or am I eating just to eat?

10 Answers
Last Updated: 12/01/2020 at 2:06am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
divinewillpower86
June 22nd, 2015 1:04am
Well this can be understood be some simple look out. If you are going to eat and only concentrate about what is put on the table then you are hungry. If you are still thinking about something else even after lunch/dinner then you are eating just to eat.
MusicGal
March 5th, 2015 7:43pm
I heard once upon a time, that if you aren't hungry enough to eat an apple, you truly are not hungry. So I tried it and it really works! Get a bag of apples and if you eat an apple cause you at hungry, then you eat until you're full, but if you don't want the apply, you are not hungry, you're bored.
Anonymous
March 11th, 2015 7:08pm
that is something you can only determine for yourself and need to evaluate if you are eating when you are hungry or for other reason like emotions.
Aaliyahhhhh
May 26th, 2015 8:29pm
What great question! I find myself asking this question often throughout the day so your defiantly not alone. What helps for me is actually asking myself this question before eating something. Remember only you can determine if your hungry!
smileforawhile
July 20th, 2015 2:22am
This is a question you have to ask yourself. Are you physically hungry? Mentally hungry? Both are totally valid and should be responded too! Your body needs to fuel and energy. Your body is trying to help you, listen and respond to it.
beYOUtiful365
- Expert in Eating Disorder
December 29th, 2015 3:12pm
The nest time you eat, think about what the time is and what you are doing. If you ate only an hour ago and you are watching TV, then maybe you are just eating because you are bored. If you feel that you are always hungry, then try eating a more dense snack that will make you feel fuller longer.
Anonymous
January 25th, 2016 6:48am
Stop and ask yourself, would you eat something you hate (E.g I usually ask myself if I would eat a fruit or veg) ? If the answer is yes, you are probably physically hungry. If the answer is no, it could just be a craving or you might be eating for comfort (e.g mostly we eat chocolate for comfort right?) Cravings are all in the mind... certain regions of our brain associate a certain food (that which you are craving) with comfort . This kicks in when we are stressed or anxious so relax, destress and the craving will probably go away.
LadyUnderGrace
January 25th, 2016 7:30pm
You possibly are eating because you are hungry or you are eating to fill up the boredom, or emptiness in your life.
Anonymous
September 13th, 2016 1:03am
Before you eat, think, are you hungry, or bored. Food is often found as a boredom buster, that can have unhealthy consequences
Evertonest
December 1st, 2020 2:06am
Both reasons are possible. You may be eating because you are genuinely hungry, or you may be eating for another reason. To test whether you are eating if you are just hungry, ask yourself if you would eat something less yummy like a piece of plain bread or an apple. If your answer is yes, then you are actually hungry. If your answer is no, then I can think of two other reasons. 1) You're eating to regulate your mood. Some people eat because they feel anxious, stressed, depressed, bored, or feel other negative emotions, and eating can make them feel better. 2) You're eating foods high in sugar, fats, and/or salt. Sugary things like cakes, donuts, and fatty foods like potato chips are high in sugar and/or fat, which make them very delicious. You may be eating these over less yummy foods like a piece of plain bread because we crave these type of foods.