Occasionally, my partner strolls in after a grueling day and casually mentions that he skipped lunch. He says it as if forgetting to eat is as normal as forgetting to wear matching socks, all while not even glancing toward the snack cabinet.
Each time this occurs, I can’t help but look at him in a mix of awe and disbelief. How can you just forget to eat? Who are these people who don’t feel a sense of impending doom when they’ve gone hours without their beloved carbs and fats? I can’t fathom how someone can remain calm when their stomach starts growling like an angry beast, sending out signals for immediate sustenance.
When I’m hungry, there’s no mistaking it. Trust me, everyone around me notices. In fact, I’ve probably caused a few rifts during my hangry moments. My sincerest apologies for the things I’ve said when I’m deprived of food. But, it turns out there’s a scientific explanation for why some of us lose our cool when our stomachs are empty.
As Simon Hargrove, a researcher with a column in a science magazine, explains, our blood sugar levels plummet when we’re hungry, causing an increase in stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This leads to heightened irritability and diminished focus. In simpler terms, our civility tends to vanish.
So yes, I apologize for my outbursts, but it’s not entirely my fault—blame it on cortisol and adrenaline. If you find yourself feeling a bit… well, sharp-tongued when you’re hungry, you’re in good company. A recent study observed married couples using voodoo dolls to express their annoyance at each other. As their blood sugar dipped, the number of pins stuck into the dolls rose. So yes, hunger can make us a tad aggressive.
In desperate times, I rely on comfort foods like fries and chocolate to restore my humanity, but honestly, I can eat just about anything when I’m hangry. Even a bland kale salad will do in a pinch (until I can find a nearby fast-food joint).
You’d think I’d be responsible enough to pack healthy snacks in my bag, but let’s face it: adulting is tough, and sometimes I forget until I’m snapping at the driver next to me or lashing out at a telemarketer offering me a free vacation if I just sign up for some ridiculous credit card. Back off, robotic voice!
Soon enough, I’m venting about junk mail, my kids’ endless squabbles, the chaotic state of current affairs, and a million other frustrations that leave me completely fed up.
If you’ll excuse me, I definitely need a dose of carbs and cheese, and forgive my outbursts. It’s all thanks to those pesky hunger hormones. The struggle is real, and even science agrees with me on this.
For more insights on navigating life and motherhood, don’t forget to check out our other blog posts, including one about at-home insemination kits, which you can find here.
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In summary, it’s clear that hunger can bring out the worst in us, and science backs this up. So, the next time you encounter someone who seems a bit off, remember: they might just need a snack.