If you’ve ever snapped at your partner or taken it out on the kids when you’re feeling hungry, you’ll know what it feels like to be ‘hangry’ – the feeling of being angry, agitated or impatient when you haven’t eaten.
But it turns out that ‘hanger’ involves a lot more than just missing your last meal.
Research by the University of North Carolina has found hanger is an emotional response involving both personality and environmental cues.
Its co-author assistant professor Kristen Lindquist revealed: “You don’t just become hungry and start lashing out at the universe. We’ve all felt hungry, recognised the unpleasantness as hunger, had a sandwich and felt better.”
“We find that feeling hangry happens when you feel unpleasantness due to hunger but interpret those feelings as strong emotions about other people, or the situation, you’re in.”
So, what can you do if you start to feel yourself getting ‘hangry’?
Scientists say it’s as important to recognise your emotions – and why you may be feeling this way – as it is to reach for a healthy snack.
Dr Zane Andrews, associate professor of physiology with Monash University, also told the ABC you need to consider your environment – because even just being in a restaurant can drive ‘hanger’ (happens to me all the time).
“A good example is when you go to a pub. Anyone who has ever smoked wants to have a cigarette because it goes hand in hand with drinking,” he said.
He also recommends mindfulness – paying full attention to everyday activities or using meditation to ensure you recognise when hunger may be affecting your decision making.
Or do what I do – and always keep the peanut butter jar close to hand.
