Hunger vs Craving – Know the Difference
Hunger
- A biological need.
- Triggered when your body runs low on energy.
- Signals: empty stomach, light-headedness, low energy.
- Controlled by hormones like ghrelin (hunger hormone) and balanced when you eat.
Craving
- A psychological desire.
- Not about energy need, but about wanting a specific taste, texture, or comfort.
- Example: craving sweets even after a full meal.
- Driven by the brain’s reward system (dopamine release).
Simple way to identify:
- If any wholesome food (like dal, roti, salad) feels appealing → it’s hunger.
- If you only want a particular food (like chocolate, chips, or ice cream) → it’s a craving.
Takeaway:
Listening to your body’s true hunger helps maintain balance. Cravings are natural but should be enjoyed mindfully, not confused with hunger.