HUNGER VERSUS APPETITE

Hello once again dear readers. Many thanks on the feedback on the other topics already discussed on this blog. In fact, this topic is a result of one of such feedbacks from a dear friend and colleague. However, this topic could also be, Physiological Hunger Versus Psychological Hunger as they are practically the same. Please stay with me as I explain further.

Hunger and Appetite are both drives that influence our desires to eat, so they have this in common but, while Hunger is controlled by internal body mechanisms as a result of the body’s genuine need for food energy at a particular point in time, Appetite on the other hand is affected by external food choice mechanisms such as seeing a tempting favourite food. Hence its name psychological hunger, which is not true hunger.

A very good and helpful tool of weight management is the ability to differentiate the two types of drives at each particular point in time, because we are often faced by these drives daily.

I know without a doubt that true hunger (physiological hunger) is not always the problem as this often comes after a reasonable period of time or physical activity has elapsed between the time of the last meal and the time the pangs are experienced (except in some cases of rare medical conditions). The problem is usually with our Appetite (Psychological hunger).

Question 1: What is the Solution?

My Answer: God! God!! God!!!

(Did I hear you say here she comes again with the God theory? Does that mean I don’t have any control, or I can’t do it by myself? etc.)

Okay, here is my theory: Proverbs Chapter 23 verse 2 “And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to APPETITE” (KJV)emphasis mine. I read this scripture in different versions of the bible and none said if thou be given to hunger. So how come a king that lived thousands of years ago knew and recorded what scientists of our age are just discovering? God! God!! God!!! (I am having so much fun typing this). It was recorded that Solomon, the author of this verse, asked God for wisdom to rule His people and pronto he got it in every area………..Nutrition and Dietetics inclusive.

Question 2: How is God going to help me curb my appetites?

My Answer: Ask for His help, have faith He will Help and do your part which is majorly pouring your love and affections on God and not on food.

I once read a book titled “Rise Above” written by Gwen Shambling, a dietitian I greatly respect and admire. Her book confirmed all my belief on the lasting solution to getting rid of excessive weight and maintaining healthy weight for life. I recommend this book and her first book titled “The Weigh Down Diet” to all of my readers and friends who are serious about getting rid of the extra weight.

I sincerely advice you to make a good use of all the information available to you on this blog, and I want you to know that, what you believe will determine how you behave and how you behave will determine the results you get in life.

LOVE YOU ALL, LOVE YOU LOTS.