Soooots Logo

Cravings? Let's Eat Smart & Laugh About It!

What To Eat?

Let’s be real, sometimes we eat because we’re hungry, sometimes because we’re bored, and sometimes just to feel something. But before diving into the fridge or scrolling through a food delivery app, pause and ask yourself: "What kind of eating am I really after?" And surprisingly, the answer depends less on what’s in the fridge and more on why we’re reaching for food in the first place.

So before you start digging in, pause for a second and ask yourself, what kind of eating am I about to do?

Are You Really Hungry?

Physical hunger is your body’s natural signal that it needs fuel. Your stomach may growl, you might feel light-headed, or your energy may dip. This kind of hunger needs real nourishment, not just a snack.

Depending on where you are in the world, your food options and habits will vary. For instance:

What you can do when you're truly hungry:

Health Tip: Aim for a balanced plate, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a good portion of vegetables. It fuels your body and keeps your mind clear.
Financial Tip: Eating out or ordering regularly can eat into your budget. In many countries, preparing your own meals is not only healthier but significantly cheaper over time.

Is It Just a Craving?

Cravings are usually your brain, not your stomach, asking for something specific, often salty, sweet, or comforting. These are short-term desires, not actual hunger. Sometimes, they’re emotional triggers; other times, your body might just want a burst of flavor or energy.

Here’s how to handle them smartly:

Geographical Note: Street food culture in countries like Thailand, Pakistan, and Mexico often caters to cravings with spicy, tangy, fried options. While tempting, these can be high in fat, sugar, and sodium. Moderation is the key.

Are You Just Bored?

This is more common than people realize. You might be working from home, watching a movie, or simply pacing around with nothing better to do, and suddenly, you're in front of the fridge.

Eating out of boredom is a behavioral habit, not a biological need. And if repeated often, it can silently become part of your daily routine, leading to unintended weight gain and health complications.

Here’s what you can do instead of reaching for a snack:

Health Insight: Repeated unnecessary eating trains your body to expect food even when it doesn't need it. This can cause insulin spikes, digestive stress, and eventually affect your metabolism.
Long-term Risk: In many Western and urbanized regions, lifestyle-induced overeating is one of the leading causes of obesity, diabetes, and heart issues. Breaking the cycle starts with awareness.

Emotional Eating?

Apart from boredom, many people eat due to stress, sadness, anxiety, or even happiness. Food becomes a coping mechanism, a way to comfort the mind.

This is called emotional eating. It's especially common in cultures where expressing emotions directly is discouraged, or during stressful life phases like exams, breakups, or work burnout.

What helps?

Share on WhatsApp Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
Soooots Wanderer Team

Written by Abdul Mughees

Published on 19-May-2025