Getting over the "Hangriness"

I couldn’t help but laugh as I flipped through my March issue of Fitness magazine and found find an article about being hangry.  No, I didn’t misspell or mistype this word.  Hangry is defined as being so hungry that you become angry.

These two foods as an entire meal may induce hangriness.

Ever experienced hangriness before?  I have.  Hangriness typically comes from trying to limit calories, whether it’s decreasing the amount you eat per day or not eating enough to match the calories burned from exercise.  I typically eat the same amount each day, whether I take a rest day or run 12 miles.  I find it challenging to balance how much I’m supposed to replenish after a workout while trying to achieve weight loss and/or build lean muscle.

The article walks through various reasons why someone might feel hangry and how to deal with it.  For example, it talks about cutting carbohydrates and the physical affect it actually has on the brain.  The body requires a certain amount of carbohydrates to function normally so limiting it will force the body to try and compensate in another way.  The end result may be a cranky person!

One of the reasons that really struck a chord with me was trying to give up treats.  In particular, treats that others in your house, office or close environment are still enjoying.  The article talks about how trying to give up all the treats you like at once can backfire.  Every now and then I tell myself I should really “give up” something and then I experience hangriness when I see someone else enjoying MY treat!  I’ve learned that limiting a treat is a better strategy.

These foods, including vegetables, fruits and nuts,
make a more balanced meal.  

What causes you to experience hangriness?  Is it frustration over eating the “right” foods and not seeing change?  Is it jealousy of seeing others not take their health seriously but still appear to be fit?  Is it trying to skip a meal and then listening to the constant growl of your stomach?  Is it trying to tell yourself that eating lettuce and carrots at every meal is “oh so tasty?” I’m sure we could develop an extensive list of hangriness triggers.

Instead of letting the hangriness overwhelm me, I try to focus on what I believe constitutes a healthy eating strategy.

1. Eat five to six small meals a day.  I try to work out every day so I know that I’m going to  need constant fuel to perform.
2. Remember that food is fuel.  While food does bring me enjoyment (from the activities that surround eating like parties and meal time with family), it also has a very real, powerful purpose.  It provides the necessary nutrients to keep my body functioning.
3. Some of my favorite foods actually have health benefits.  When consumed in small quantities, that is.  I can eat dark chocolate and drink a glass of wine.  I just don’t need to eat chocolate at every meal, for example, as much as I’d like to.
4. Fruit, vegetables, lean meats, low fat dairy, healthy fats.  I think they got something right with the MyPlate concept.
5. It’s about balance.  I like to eat various foods that provide little to no health benefit.  Sometimes I overeat because the food is already on my plate.  Sometimes I want to cut out everything I think is bad and then I’m overcome with hangriness.  Shoot for balance!

What tips do you have for minimizing the threat of hangriness?  What food strategies do you follow?  Feel free to share your funniest hangry reaction!

Miss FitGab