How Did I Get Here?
Just like when you’ve been kept up the night before by your partner’s snoring, your kid’s fever or the intricate plans of your dream home, running on empty can make you a little crabby. Your body expects to have all of its comforts catered to; a full night’s sleep, a cosy sweater on a chilly day, and a full and satisfied tum. When one of these cravings isn’t met, the demanding toddler inside of us chucks a wobbly until we either give in or the tantrum thrower gives up. When fasting, remember that the feeling of being hungry (and consequential response of becoming hangry) will quickly subside if we just ignore it for a little bit longer.
They key to combating hangry feels is to acknowledge them. Don’t let little frustrating things get the better of you; remind yourself of why you are experiencing this sensation and what it means in the grand scheme of things. Hunger is an indication that your fast is working!
Talk Nerdy to Me
Krista Varady, Associate Professor of Nutrition and globally recognised intermittent fasting researcher, theorises on the scientific side of being hangry, “The first 3-5 fast days may be a bit tough, but your body will quickly adjust to the fast days and your new pattern of eating.” Dr. Varady assures that “hunger decreases and fullness increases on the fast day after about a week.” Once you get over that initial hangry hump, you can even expect to experience a boost of energy on your fast days. Dr. Varady explains, “you may also notice that your ability to concentrate and focus has actually improved!”
Dealing with Hanger
When you find yourself in the midst of hanger hysteria, talk yourself down with distracting tricks. Focus on the positive things surrounding you; are you working on something meaningful at your job or looking forward to seeing your friends on the weekend? Try to step back and slow down. Have a laugh or get a change of scenery and go for a walk outside, and don’t be averse to asking for a hug or a bit of encouragement if you need it! By distracting yourself and focusing on the upside, you are chemically giving your brain a bit of a reset, allowing you to ditch Mr Hyde and get back to being delightful Dr. Jekyll!
The Best Offense is a Good Defence
The easiest way to fight hanger is to avoid getting excessively hungry in the first place. Plan your fast day and ensure you have enough filling low-calorie snacks to nourish your body. You’ll get the most out of nibbles that are high in protein and fibre rather than processed foods full of sugar and refined carbs.