It seems to be a trending topic, and one with real implications. Now more than ever, we are realizing that when a person is hungry, he or she may have a lesser control on emotions and the actions that accompany the feelings. #Hangry, and the meaning behind it, is popping up everywhere from candy bar commercials to memes on Instagram and Facebook.
A recent research study posted online at the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences relays that spouses were more likely to show higher levels aggression towards their wife or husband at times when their blood sugar levels were low. An interesting model, the anger was measured with pins in voo doo dolls and blasting noise into headphones in accordance with the amount of fury being felt. Haven’t many of us imaginarily wished we had a voo doo doll once or twice in our lives?
Knowing that communication and the emotions that are involved lead to positive or very negative outcomes that affect many, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics here are 5 Tips for Preventing the Hangry Dilemma:
- Eat regularly scheduled light meals and snacks that include a variety of protein, fat and carbohydrate sources.
- Limit empty calorie foods that are mainly simple sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated or trans fats.
- Choose whole grains more often along with other high fiber foods like beans, vegetables, and nuts.
- Plan ahead by making a shopping list that you will stick to and a weekly menu that will lessen spur of the moment stops for fast-food.
- Maintain an active lifestyle replenishing your body with healthy foods such as fruits, yogurt, and low-fat granola and beverages such as water and milk.
Author: Cheryl Barber Spires, R.D., L.D., Program Specialist, Ohio State University Extension, spires.53@osu.edu
Reviewer: Jamie Seger, Program Director, Ohio State University Extension, seger.23@osu.edu
Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/diseases-and-conditions/diabetes/diabetes-and-diet
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, http://www.pnas.org/content/111/17/6254.full
Live Healthy Live Well 
Leave a Reply