Advertisement
question

What are the characteristics of true hunger?

Joel H. Fuhrman, MD
Joel H. Fuhrman, MD
Family Medicine
answer

True hunger is not felt in the stomach or the head. When you eat healthfully and don't overeat, you eventually are able to sense true hunger and accurately assess your caloric needs. Once your body attains a certain level of better health, you will begin to feel the difference between true hunger and just eating due to desire, boredom, stress, or withdrawal symptoms. The best way to understand true hunger is to experience it for yourself. It has three primary characteristics:

1. A sensation in your throat

2. Increased salivation

3. A dramatically heightened taste sensation

Being in touch with true hunger will help you reach your ideal weight, and you also will feel well whether you eat, delay eating or skip a meal.

Eat for Health: Lose Weight, Keep It Off, Look Younger, Live Longer (2 Volume Set)

More About this Book

Eat for Health: Lose Weight, Keep It Off, Look Younger, Live Longer (2 Volume Set)

Dr. Fuhrman's scientifically proven system, Eat For Health, enables you to finally conquer your cravings and food addictions, while steering your taste buds toward healthier food choices. Medical...

Continue Learning about Controlling Appetite

Jicama: a high-fiber veggie with big potential health benefits
Jicama: a high-fiber veggie with big potential health benefits
Want a low-calorie, nonfat, nutritious veggie that may help control your appetite and blood sugar levels? Try jicama (pronounced HICK-a-ma). Native to...
Read More
5 healthy foods that can help you lose weight
5 healthy foods that can help you lose weight
If you're so hungry that you wind up overdoing it at mealtime, try taking the edge off beforehand. These satisfying foods can help keep you satisfied ...
Read More
What is the difference between hunger and appetite?
What is the difference between hunger and appetite? Appetite is more of a learned behavior; as the b...
More Answers
How can chewing gum help curb my appetite?
How can chewing gum help curb my appetite? A study found that chewing gum can really put the kibosh ...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.