Are You Really Hungry?

Food is a beautiful thing. Baked brie and fresh grapes can be downright delectable whether I’m hungry or not. It’s hard to pass up garlic artichoke dip and baked pita chips with salt. Yet, many of us do.

Maybe we’ve learned that there are other reasons why we’re lifting that fork to our mouths than a rumbling tummy. Food can make you feel really good. Temporarily. And then you’re still stuck with whatever chronic stress issue you had, plus the knowledge that you just ate something that’s going to send your blood sugar spiraling.

If this happens to you, I hope the following list helps.

Ten Things I Say to Myself When I Open the Refrigerator:

1. Why am I standing here?
2. Am I really hungry?
3. Mmmmm… that looks good. But way too many calories this late at night. I’ll never burn them off.
4. OK, why is that still in fridge?
5. Hey! Who ate all the roasted red pepper hummus? I know it wasn’t the kids.
6. Ooh, that would be tasty but I don’t feel like messing up the counter.
7. Wait a minute. I think it was me. I finished the hummus yesterday! But I still have carrots left, right?
8. Why am I standing here? Am I really hungry?
9. I might as well just eat the carrots. They are healthy.
10. I’m not hungry. Just shut the door!

Learn more about proper eating habits with Bon Secours

Alice Warchol is a certified fitness instructor and former health reporter.