Talk with Tara
Recognizing Head Hunger
One of the most common struggles for those trying to lose weight is overcoming head hunger (a mental/emotional desire for food). After years of dieting and being told when, what, and how much to eat, it is no surprise that many of us have stopped listening to the messages our bodies our sending us. As a result, head hunger and actual physical hunger can begin to feel identical.
The first step in overcoming head hunger is learning to recognize it. Luckily, there are very specific signs and symptoms to look out for. Below are the eight distinguishing characteristics of head hunger:
1.) Head hunger comes on SUDDENLY. All of a sudden, you are starving and your desire to eat is intense. Physical hunger typically comes on 2-4 hours after your last meal and provides a slow, steady progression of cues that it is time to eat. First, your stomach begins to rumble and then it begins to growl.
2.) Head hunger creates CRAVINGS for specific, typically unhealthy foods (i.e. pizza, ice cream). Physical hunger is flexible with food choices and will be happy with whatever you eat, as long as it is satisfied.
3.) Head hunger isn't located in your stomach. Instead, it is located “above the neck" and focuses on SPECIFIC TASTES AND TEXTURES. You may obsess about eating a specific food or crave the taste of a certain food in your mouth. Physical hunger is located solely in your stomach and is felt throughout the body.
4.) Head hunger is URGENT. It’s all about the “quick fix." Physical hunger is patient. It may prefer that you eat soon, but it doesn’t command that you eat at that instant.
5.) Head hunger is often paired with a NEGATIVE EMOTION, such as stress, sadness, frustration, or loneliness. It can also occur with fatigue or boredom. Physical hunger is the direct result of a physical need to nourish your body.
6.) Head hunger may involve “MINDLESS" or unconscious eating. For example, you may notice that you’ve eaten an entire container of ice cream without even realizing it. Physical hunger involves a conscious choice of what, when, and how much you eat.
7.) Head hunger DOES NOT STOP EATING in response to feeling full. Instead, it keeps eating because it wants more of the taste of the food or in an attempt to “stuff" or numb negative feelings. Physical hunger listens to your body's physical cue's and doesn't need to be “stuffed" to be satisfied.
8.) Head hunger can be followed by feelings of GUILT, SHAME, OR REMORSE. Physical hunger realizes that eating is necessary and it allows your body to take in what it needs without feeling ashamed.
Next week, I will continue discussing issues related to head/emotional hunger. Please feel free to respond with your comments!
Tara Griffith, MA, MFT
Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco
WLS Support Services
*DISCLAIMER*
The information provided within this forum is intended for GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Answers, comments, and opinions provided are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or other professional advice.
Always seek the advice of your personal physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have regarding any specific medical condition or mental health issue. Information provided in this forum DOES NOT constitute a therapist-patient relationship between you and Tara Griffith, MFT.
As this is an open forum on the Internet, your questions and answers will be seen by others. It is possible that an unqualified individual may post a reply to questions. If you suspect a reply is not from a qualified source, please alert Tara Griffith, MFT.
One of the most common struggles for those trying to lose weight is overcoming head hunger (a mental/emotional desire for food). After years of dieting and being told when, what, and how much to eat, it is no surprise that many of us have stopped listening to the messages our bodies our sending us. As a result, head hunger and actual physical hunger can begin to feel identical.
The first step in overcoming head hunger is learning to recognize it. Luckily, there are very specific signs and symptoms to look out for. Below are the eight distinguishing characteristics of head hunger:
1.) Head hunger comes on SUDDENLY. All of a sudden, you are starving and your desire to eat is intense. Physical hunger typically comes on 2-4 hours after your last meal and provides a slow, steady progression of cues that it is time to eat. First, your stomach begins to rumble and then it begins to growl.
2.) Head hunger creates CRAVINGS for specific, typically unhealthy foods (i.e. pizza, ice cream). Physical hunger is flexible with food choices and will be happy with whatever you eat, as long as it is satisfied.
3.) Head hunger isn't located in your stomach. Instead, it is located “above the neck" and focuses on SPECIFIC TASTES AND TEXTURES. You may obsess about eating a specific food or crave the taste of a certain food in your mouth. Physical hunger is located solely in your stomach and is felt throughout the body.
4.) Head hunger is URGENT. It’s all about the “quick fix." Physical hunger is patient. It may prefer that you eat soon, but it doesn’t command that you eat at that instant.
5.) Head hunger is often paired with a NEGATIVE EMOTION, such as stress, sadness, frustration, or loneliness. It can also occur with fatigue or boredom. Physical hunger is the direct result of a physical need to nourish your body.
6.) Head hunger may involve “MINDLESS" or unconscious eating. For example, you may notice that you’ve eaten an entire container of ice cream without even realizing it. Physical hunger involves a conscious choice of what, when, and how much you eat.
7.) Head hunger DOES NOT STOP EATING in response to feeling full. Instead, it keeps eating because it wants more of the taste of the food or in an attempt to “stuff" or numb negative feelings. Physical hunger listens to your body's physical cue's and doesn't need to be “stuffed" to be satisfied.
8.) Head hunger can be followed by feelings of GUILT, SHAME, OR REMORSE. Physical hunger realizes that eating is necessary and it allows your body to take in what it needs without feeling ashamed.
Next week, I will continue discussing issues related to head/emotional hunger. Please feel free to respond with your comments!
Tara Griffith, MA, MFT
Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco
WLS Support Services
*DISCLAIMER*
The information provided within this forum is intended for GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Answers, comments, and opinions provided are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or other professional advice.
Always seek the advice of your personal physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have regarding any specific medical condition or mental health issue. Information provided in this forum DOES NOT constitute a therapist-patient relationship between you and Tara Griffith, MFT.
As this is an open forum on the Internet, your questions and answers will be seen by others. It is possible that an unqualified individual may post a reply to questions. If you suspect a reply is not from a qualified source, please alert Tara Griffith, MFT.
boy can I relate to this post! I find myself walking to the fridge and opening it mindlessly a lot.. then I look in and say WTF am I doing? Its definitely something I have to deal with to fix my behaviors.. luckily i get sick if i eat much.. so that is a help for me.. but not a fun one!
Jackie
Jackie
Started Liquid pre-op diet July 2, 2009 / Surgery on July 16th, 2009
Starting weight: 385
Current: 245
First goal: 180
Starting weight: 385
Current: 245
First goal: 180
I just wanted to say thank you Tara for taking the time to do this post and for coming back in the future.
Learning about the issues that we all deal with from the professionals can only help us be more successful in our quest for the battle we are all dealing with on a day to day basis.
I look forward to seeing what you have to say next week.
Stephanie
Learning about the issues that we all deal with from the professionals can only help us be more successful in our quest for the battle we are all dealing with on a day to day basis.
I look forward to seeing what you have to say next week.
Stephanie
As this is an open forum on the Internet, your questions and answers will be seen by others. It is possible that an unqualified individual may post a reply to questions. If you suspect a reply is not from a qualified source, please alert Tara Griffith, MFT.
what happens if a post is answered by a non qualified source? what powers does Tara have?
if people want real answers from paid professional do you really think they would be asking on a public forum? you get what you pay for.
Who says your qualivcations are legit ? what are you motives for posting this? you haven't been an active member of the "community", ever why do you do this?
No I do not trust anyone who does things for free. you have a motive I suspect it just hasn't been revealed yet. Though you do make sure to mention where you work on ever post so far
what happens if a post is answered by a non qualified source? what powers does Tara have?
if people want real answers from paid professional do you really think they would be asking on a public forum? you get what you pay for.
Who says your qualivcations are legit ? what are you motives for posting this? you haven't been an active member of the "community", ever why do you do this?
No I do not trust anyone who does things for free. you have a motive I suspect it just hasn't been revealed yet. Though you do make sure to mention where you work on ever post so far
Hello Dan and Michelle,
I’d like to take some time to respond to your valid concerns. In terms of my qualifications, I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for four years. I have been specializing exclusively in bariatrics for almost two years and have done almost 500 pre-operative psychological evaluations with patients who are considering weight loss surgery. I also provide ongoing post-operative coaching and counseling and regularly speak at bariatric support groups. I have been a member of Obesity Help since April 2008.
My motive here is simple. I am commonly asked the same questions from my patients and have heard repeatedly that there is not enough information out there on the emotional, behavioral, and social challenges faced by people who are obese, who have undergone bariatric surgery, or who are struggling with maintaining their weight loss. My goal with these posts is to provide general information and to provide additional support to those who need it.
Additionally, as a helping professional, I am always looking for new ways to grow. I appreciate getting feedback from others and learning from their experiences. I believe that it helps me become a better clinician and develop a better understanding of my clients. I love what I do!
If you have any additional concerns, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Tara Griffith, MA, MFT
I’d like to take some time to respond to your valid concerns. In terms of my qualifications, I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for four years. I have been specializing exclusively in bariatrics for almost two years and have done almost 500 pre-operative psychological evaluations with patients who are considering weight loss surgery. I also provide ongoing post-operative coaching and counseling and regularly speak at bariatric support groups. I have been a member of Obesity Help since April 2008.
My motive here is simple. I am commonly asked the same questions from my patients and have heard repeatedly that there is not enough information out there on the emotional, behavioral, and social challenges faced by people who are obese, who have undergone bariatric surgery, or who are struggling with maintaining their weight loss. My goal with these posts is to provide general information and to provide additional support to those who need it.
Additionally, as a helping professional, I am always looking for new ways to grow. I appreciate getting feedback from others and learning from their experiences. I believe that it helps me become a better clinician and develop a better understanding of my clients. I love what I do!
If you have any additional concerns, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Tara Griffith, MA, MFT
Thank you so much for your post! Can you move to Hesteria Hesperia and be my coach? I would love it. You are awesome. I love your disclaimer and all. May I print this out and share it with a few freinds of mine? I would love to, but will not without your permission. If you are ever in Hesperia, let me know as I would love to meet you.
Rhonda
Rhonda
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