Appetite vs Hunger: The 7 Types of Hunger

Hunger and appetite. Are they the same thing?

Hunger and appetite are in fact different, and bringing awareness to them can be very helpful in recovering from binge eating disorder.

Hunger:

Hunger is a physiological sensation occurring when your body needs energy (calories) to continue to do all the wonderful things you require of it through the day. (Learn more about hunger cues here).

Appetite:

Appetite is the desire to eat. This can be influenced by all kinds of external things. Yes, physiological hunger, but also environmental or emotional factors. Now, I want to be clear that there is absolutely nothing wrong with this! We eat for many different reasons beyond just the biological need to feed. After all, humans are beautifully complex. However, there is nothing more empowering than understanding why you are reaching for food, being clear on what you are feeling and what you are needing, and if in fact that is food, or if that is something else. This clarity and connection to your body and its cues is instrumental to recovering from binge eating disorder and creating a healthier relationship with food and body.

One way to help bring more awareness to this, is by learning the 7 different types of hunger (yes, 7!!). By understanding where the desire to eat is coming from through the day, it can help you to decide if food is in fact what you are needing in various moments.

7 Types of Hunger:

1) Mind Hunger:

Based on thoughts of I "should" eat this, or I "should not" eat that.

2) Eye Hunger:

Triggered by what you see (for example on TV, social media, someone else eating, etc).

3) Nose Hunger:

Triggered by sense of smell (for example walking past a restaurant, someone cooking, etc).

4) Ear Hunger:

Based on sounds (for example someone crunching on chips!)

5) Stomach Hunger:

Natural hunger sensations (noticing your bodies cues and referring to a hunger scale for support here as needed).

6) Heart Hunger:

Emotional hunger/ comfort foods linked to feelings.

7) Cellular Hunger:

What your body needs (different from what your mind wants/needs) and often indicated in cravings (for example craving citrus when sick, chocolate when menstruating, etc).

I challenge you, for the rest of the day, tune in. When you feel hunger, cravings or a desire to eat, notice what is triggering it and simply ask yourself what you need. Provide food when needed or wanted, always, but explore what else you may be needing or wanting in various moments as well and see if you can support yourself more fully.

And as always, if you need more support here, reach out and let’s chat. There are so many layers to healing your relationship with food and I really do believe (and have seen) that this is possible for anyone who is ready. A full recovery is 100% possible.