This Scale is a Game-Changer!


Mar 4, 2020

 by Marty Skele
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I’ve got a CRAZY COOL tool for you today.

 

We already talked about how intuitive eating is all about learning to tap into your body’s own cues …

 

but if it has been a while since you’ve tuned into them, that can take a little practice.

 

I’ve got a Hunger Scale that I thought might be helpful! It’s adapted from one used by the Derbyshire Healthy Futures Service in England.

 

It helps you rate (on a scale from 1-10) how you’re feeling on the hunger/fullness scale.

Most people feel best when they stick within the 3-6 range. Here’s the scale:

 

  1. You’re beyond hungry. You feel absolutely ravenous, might feel light-headed or headachey, and your body is weak.
  2. Uncomfortably hungry (or “hangry”). You’re grouchy and might feel a little tired.
  3. You want to eat and your stomach feels empty.
  4. You are thinking about food and starting to feel hungry.
  5. You’ve eaten enough food to stop the hungry feeling, and your mood is good.
  6. You’re satisfied and feeling full.
  7. Your body is full but your mind wants to eat more, so you take a few extra bites.
  8. After taking a few “extra” bites, you begin not to feel as well. You begin to regret your decision. You know you should probably stop eating.
  9. You keep eating, and with even more food, you feel bloated, tired, and uncomfortable.
  10. You STILL continue to eat. You might be sweating, your heart pounding, and you feel miserable.

 

One of the things I like about this scale is that it’s relatable. I definitely have been everywhere on that scale at one point or another. I think we all have!

 

Here’s why it matters ...

 

When you get too hungry, it sets you up to overeat … and when you overeat, you feel tired, sick, and tempted to skip meals. It can turn into a yo-yo cycle.

 

Finding your sweet spot is a big part of intuitive eating.

 

It might take a little practice … but it’s definitely worth it!

 

How hungry do you get before you eat – and how “full” do you feel before you stop? It can take some retraining to live within the 3-6 range, but it’s definitely worth the effort! 

 

Have a great day!

Marty Skele

 

 

PS: Just a reminder, for this month only, we're giving you the chance to experience HYBRID Nutrition & Accountability Coaching FREE for a month! All you have to do is sign up for 1 month. Check it out HERE and come chat about your goals!

 

REFERENCE:

www.dchs.nhs.uk/assets/public/dchs/llb/tools/tools_1-11/4_DCHS_A5_4pp_The_Hunger_Scale.pdf