Hungxiety: Hunger Anxiety a Protein and Fat Deficiency
Hungxiety- Anxiety that comes about or increases because of hunger.
We’ve all experienced this one! Starting to feel anxious, frustrated, on edge? Maybe you’re hungry.
We need fuel to run our brains and when the tank gets low our body sends signals to search out food. These signals are stress signals. This can translate in all kinds of ways- anger, frustrations, the need to run and hide. If you’re someone who experiences anxiety anyway, this can feel overwhelming. It’s a good idea to always have a snack handy.
Below are some tips about the best types of snacks to keep your energy up and help you feel satiated.
Protein
For supplementing protein I prefer to use collagen protein. Collagen is the main building block of all of our tissues. It contains all of the amino acids we need. If we do not get enough of certain amino acids our body’s will let us know by making us feel hungry. The amino acids in collagen can help us feel satisfied as well as help us build muscle. Pea protein combined with rice is great too but sometimes may not be not quite as complete as collagen. I avoid protein powders with soy.
Grass fed collagen brands
Great Lakes Collagen (Hydrosolate in the green can) some natural food stores
Vital Proteins - Most grocery stores and Whole Foods
(I personally avoid ordering supplements from Amazon. I’ve gotten fake and spoiled supplements from their resellers in the past. Who knows how long they’ve been sitting in hot warehouses! )
Fats
The other thing our bodies need to help us feel full are essential fatty acids (EFFs). These are found in fats. Healthy fats help us feel full, give us energy, and help repair nervous system tissues. The best ones are the omega fats found in small fatty fish and grass fed meats. We can get more of these by eating more of these foods or by supplementing with fish oils. Flax seed does contain some omegas but can be difficult to digest. Great brand for fish oil: Nordic Naturals
Coconut oil or MCT oil is another kind of fat which helps with hunger and energy and calming the nervous system. It can be used directly by the brain for fuel and helps us feel satisfied. This is great to add into snacks.
There are some links below to recipes for protein and fat based energy snacks. You can find your own by using the terms low carb, keto, and/or sugar free protein snacks when searching. You may have to play with the ingredients a bit to see what works for you. I always recommend cutting back on the sweeteners they use and adding a few drops of stevia if it’s not sweet enough. And oh yeah Lily’s is the brand of low sugar chocolate available at groceries. They even have chocolate chips!
Some examples and resources:
Walnut (or any nut) Protein Balls
Vital Protein cookie dough balls
Obligatory Disclaimer: I am a licensed medical professional. I am not a licensed physician, councilor, or psychologist. It is recommended you check with your health care professional or get a personalized consultation with ahh Wellness before starting any new supplements, diet changes, exercise programs, and definately before changing any medications. You are responsible for your health. This is not medical advice.