What Are You Hungry For?

Do you ever get hungry just a couple of hours after eating? Why does this happen? After all, you just ate.

It could be many things. It could be that you are hungry for nutrients that your food is lacking. If you are eating a Standard American Diet (SAD) which is deplete of high-nutrient fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and lean protein, it is quite likely that various vitamins, minerals, and/or phytonutrients are missing. Your body can only say, "I'm hungry." It doesn't tell you, "Hey, I need more magnesium and B vitamins," even though that may be the case. Unfortunately, if all you have available is more of the same pathetic variety of chemical-laden, sugar-loaded, processed food, you won't be satiated as long as you continue eating such "foods". The poor quality food is making you hungry!

Sometimes you may actually feel hungry, but you are actually thirsty. Try drinking water -- 8 ounces within 10 minutes or so, and then perhaps, even another glassful a few minutes later. If you drink enough in a short period of time, your body knows that there is plenty, and can send the water around to where it is needed. But if you just sip it, and never have much in your stomach at one time, then your body acts as if there is a water shortage, and uses it only for the critical organs such as the brain.

Beside the nutrient aspect, there could be other contributing factors. Some people are hungry for other things that are missing in their life such as healthy relationships, a satisfying career, and a meaningful spiritual life. Some people eat simply out of boredom: there is not enough satisfaction to keep them going without excessive eating. But the truth of the matter is that eating for reasons other than for enjoyable sustenance just never satisfies, and the hunger continues no matter how much you eat.

So sit down, and think. Try writing (journaling) what is on your mind. Try listening to your soul. Ask yourself what is truly unsatisfying it your life, and when the answers come you will know what to improve in your life. Maybe it is the quality of your food, maybe it will be the activities or relationships in your life. Whatever it is, it is worth fixing, and getting a better solution because the status quo is just not working for you.

Copyright ©2009 Ruth S. Sheets. All rights reserved.