Feeding the Soul: Nourishing the Difference Between Emotional and Physical Hunger

Emotional and physical hunger is like junk food and a nutritious meal — one may taste better in the moment, but the other fuels your body for the future.

Ongoing research to better understand human’s relationship with food has identified a clear distinction between emotional and physical hunger as the driving forces behind how, when, and what we eat. Recognizing this difference is important, as it can lead to a healthier and more mindful approach to our eating habits. It’s fascinating how our emotions, such as stress or worry, can sometimes cause us to identify an unhealthy food as “comfort” food and develop a craving for it when we feel some kind of way.

“Ugh, my boss called me at 3:00 pm on Friday afternoon to tell me she needs a report on her desk by 8:00 am Monday. Where are the chips and diet soda?”

Emotional hunger is about impulsive urges and satisfying them immediately, while physical hunger is a gradual process that responds to our body’s need for nourishment. By recognizing and understanding these two types of hunger, you can make healthier choices and have a better relationship with food.

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