Hunger is NOT an emergency

(Despite what your panicked brain and that vending machine would like you to believe)

Let’s talk about hunger.

Not the soft kind that builds gently, like a distant whisper from your stomach. I mean the urgent, shouty kind that screeches,

“EAT NOW OR WE MIGHT DIE.”

And so, mid-meeting, mid-scrolling, mid-yoga—you grab a snack.
Because somewhere along the line, we stopped seeing hunger as a nudge...
and started treating it like a house fire.

It’s understandable. Your brain means well. It evolved to keep you alive, not lean.

But the truth is: hunger isn’t an emergency.

Unless you’re stranded in the wilderness or being chased by a bear, you can probably wait a minute.

Two Types of Hunger (And Only One Needs a Sandwich)

Let’s keep it simple:

True hunger = physical.
It starts gradually. You might feel a little tired, a little low-energy, your stomach gives you a heads-up.
It’s your body saying, “Hey, could use a top-up soon.”

Head hunger = mental.
It shows up out of nowhere, dramatic as hell. You weren’t hungry five minutes ago, but now you’re ready to eat your way through the pantry because you read a stressful email, saw a biscuit or just feel off.

It’s not real hunger. It’s a feeling you want to escape—from work, from boredom, from overwhelm.
And food is fast, legal and socially acceptable.

Why We Eat When We’re Not Hungry

Because it works. Briefly.

Food takes the edge off discomfort—whether it’s loneliness, stress or the general fatigue of being a functioning human.

So we start reaching for snacks, not because our bodies need fuel, but because our minds want a break.

And when that becomes the norm, hunger starts feeling dangerous. Like a threat.
Cue panic, fridge-raids, guilt, repeat.

But here's the thing:

You’re allowed to feel a little hungry without fixing it immediately.
You can pause. Breathe. Decide. You’re not a toddler with a tantrum. You’re a grown adult with a nervous system that can handle some discomfort.

Try This: The Hunger Audit

Next time you feel the urge to snack, ask:

• Is this physical or emotional?

• When did I last eat?

• Am I bored? Tired? Annoyed at my inbox?

And here’s the reframe:

If it is true hunger—great. Eat. Enjoy it.
If it’s not? That’s not failure. That’s information.

You might need a break.
A nap.
A walk.
A deep sigh and a swear in the pantry.

Food can’t solve that. But you can.

In Case of Real Hunger…

If you’re genuinely hungry and there’s no food around—don’t panic.

That’s literally why we have body fat.
You are not about to spontaneously combust.
You can wait.
You can pause.
You’re safe.

Your body’s built for this. It’s on your side.

Bottom Line: It’s Just a Signal

Hunger isn’t a red alert.
It’s a message. One of many your body sends throughout the day.

And just like any other signal—fatigue, thirst, needing a wee—you can respond calmly. Thoughtfully.
You get to choose.

So the next time that loud, bossy hunger voice kicks off?

Pause.
Breathe.
Ask what you really need.

Sometimes it’ll be food.
Sometimes it’ll be space.
Sometimes it’ll be a nap and not giving a single toss about the emails.

Whatever it is, trust yourself to handle it.
You’re not fragile. You’re not broken.
You’re just human.

And humans?
Can feel a little hungry without losing the plot.

Snack optional. Power, always.