How many of you remember that old Guns N' Roses Album Appetite for Destruction? I do, even though it's been well over 20 years ago and it tends to show my age. Is it as simple as quoting a hard rock album cover? Could truer words be said? Are we destroying ourselves with our huge appetites?
Another condition related to eating is the concept of appetite. Appetite has very little to do with physiological sensations of hunger. Appetite has to do with the psychology of hunger. Have I confused you yet? Thought so. To put it another way, hunger is a basic, physical response to the need for fuel. Appetite is a non-physical response to eating, such as eating based on your mood, the time of day, or your cultural background.
If you eat when you aren't physically hungry, then you're responding to your appetite. That extra slice of pizza and that dessert you thought you were too full to eat are examples of a response to appetite. Appetite can be related to culture and social "rules". For example, many people think of cold, sweet cereal when they head to the breakfast table. If they're met with barbecued ribs instead, their psychological appetite might say "no way", even though they're physically hungry. Make sense now?
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Appetite can be taught. You're probably familiar with the concept of behavior modification. Small children are told, "Finish your broccoli and you can have dessert" or "Sit quietly for 15 minutes, and I'll give you a cookie." Both examples teach children to respond to appetite, not hunger. Child psychologists and nutritionists will tell you that food is never a good reward. Try to remember that thought if you've promised yourself a pint of ice cream when you finish reading this blog.
So how do you break the cycle? Good question. There are many things you can try. First I would ask yourself the next time you are hungry if it's a legitimate hunger or an Appetite for Destruction? It's a funny way to remember it but sometimes all it takes is a little catch phrase to help you move to the next level of your nutritional journey. It's a learning process and may take several times before you actually catch yourself begininng to recognize your behavior. If you feel the need to pop in an old 80's hard rock band CD to make it happen, why that won't hurt either! I just draw the line at the black leather pants!