Build Your Mental Health Toolkit
OCT 02, 2024Think of a mental health toolkit as a collection of strategies you can access whenever you need them. It’s about equipping yourself to handle challenges in a healthy way.
Read MoreHead hunger vs. true hunger. It is a constant battle most of us face on a daily basis. Head hunger is that urge to eat when the physical hunger isn’t there.
Maybe your mind wanders as you head home, passing what feels like every food joint in town. The sights of the fast food neon lights, the smells of the foods as your pass; you must be hungry or you wouldn’t be so tempted, right? Is it true physical hunger, or head hunger?
What if you didn’t have those food options along with your commute? Would you still feel “hungry”? When was the last time you had something to eat? Would anything satisfy that “hunger”, or are you craving that specific fast food item?
Asking ourselves these questions could be all it takes to be just a little more mindful of what our body needs when it needs it… and when it doesn’t.
One tip to decipher head hunger from true hunger is to pay attention to what your brain is saying. Head hunger usually starts with a specific food craving, for example: “I’m really in the mood for pizza.” What would happen if you munched on nature’s fast food instead? True physical hunger can be satisfied with any food really, and your body will be most thankful if that food is high in nutrients like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, or whole grains—items that are rarely found at the quick convenient food stops along every corner.
Next time you reach for a snack try asking yourself some questions:
The constant reminder of food throughout the day makes answering these questions a struggle. Taking a few minutes to really listen to your body is the first step of learning to become a mindful eater. For more information on mindful eating, visit the Am I Hungry? website.
Think of a mental health toolkit as a collection of strategies you can access whenever you need them. It’s about equipping yourself to handle challenges in a healthy way.
Read MoreEating a good meal before trick or treating, planning a costume party, and keeping an eye on candy consumption are just a few tricks for a healthier Halloween.
Read MoreIf your goal is either weight maintenance or weight loss, portion control can be a valuable tool to help you eat healthy.
Read MoreWhen you need local health information from a trusted source, turn to the CHI Health Better You eNewsletter.