Picking Up Cues

Hunger cues can be tricky. Hunger is one of the most basic, biological, primal parts of being human.  Think of your body like an amazing car.  You need fuel to make your car go, and with cars, you try not to push it.  You watch the fuel meter and you don’t usually drive on empty for long. Right? We don’t pride ourselves on watching the gas light go on, and testing how long our car can drive on empty.  Instead we stay on top of keeping our cars fueled and in good working order. The same goes for our bodies.  Instead of keeping yourself on empty, what if you focused on nourishing your body to keep it running as smoothly and efficiently as possible? That’s where hunger cues come in!

Why Are Hunger Cues Important?

We seem to be at war with hunger these days.  We’ve suppressed, dieted, scheduled, and pushed away the innate signals within our bodies that keep us nourished and thriving.  So, let’s back up a little bit.  What are hunger cues, and why are they so important?

Hunger is your body’s biological signal to remind you that you need food. By feeding and fueling your body, you are taking care of yourself.  You need the energy and fuel provided by food to function, from the most basic level to the most complex.  So, when your body sends those signals, it is working with you to fulfill its potential.  

Getting to know the in’s and out’s of your hunger takes time and understanding.  It is different for everyone. Really listening to your body’s cues and signals, and following through with them, will bring freedom from stress and anxiety around food and hunger.  This is one of the key components to having a peaceful relationship with your body – respecting and honoring it!   By doing this work, you will be showing your body the care and respect it deserves. 

So, to get started here are some common hunger cues you might be missing… 

1) Hunger Cues Can Be Subtle

One of the biggest misconceptions about our bodies’ hunger signals lies within extremes. So often we only recognize extreme hunger and extreme fullness, but this causes a lot of stress for our brains and bodies.  In reality, hunger signals run on a complete spectrum. 

Like the car analogy above, don’t wait until you’re running on empty.  Get to know the subtle signals your body is giving you.  Responding to these cues helps your body to feel secure and taken care of.  Plus, it will keep you functioning up to your full potential.  Responding and listening to your subtle cues is a key part of changing the way you relate to food and your body. 

2) Hearing Hunger Cues Takes Time 

Sometimes subtle hunger cues can feel like a rumble, a headache, irritability, lack of focus, and so much more.  Getting to know your subtle signals can take time.  It is not an exact science, and takes practice.  

So much of what we are taught is about silencing or ignoring these subtle cues, but listening to your body creates trust. Here’s the truth of it, despite everything you’ve learned, you are trust-worthy, and your body is brilliant.  But relearning, reframing, and gaining this experience of trust takes time. Like any new skill, you get better with hard work and consistency. Working with yourself, instead of against, can tap into a whole new level of power.  

3) Sometimes Planning is More Important Than Cues 

Listening and getting to know your hunger cues, is a powerful skill, but it is also powerful to take care of your body.  Going back to the car analogy, if you know you will be on a long stretch of road without the opportunity for a gas stop, you may fuel up just to be safe.  The same goes for your body.  

Sometimes self-care means knowing that you may have to be preemptive with hunger cues. Don’t wait until you’re ravenous. Make sure you are giving your body what it needs, before it feels desperate.    

Your Body Is Brilliant, Take The Cue

You are the expert on you, and your body can tell you so much.  It is amazing that it is still counterculture to listen to it and honor it. But here is the thing, your body knows so much and listening to your own personal wisdom is like a superpower. 

Take it one step at a time, listening to hunger cues is not about perfection.  It’s about learning and growing.  Are you ready to step into that power?

Remember, you are not on this journey alone. If you need support, community, or just a little extra help, I would love to be a part of your journey. Get in touch HERE or…