Physical hunger?

• Builds gradually
• Strikes below the neck (e.g., growling stomach)
• Isn't accompanied by a sense of compulsion
• Occurs several hours after a meal
• Goes away when full
• Leads to feeling of satisfaction after eating

Emotional hunger?

• Develops suddenly
• Hits above the neck (e.g., a "taste" for ice cream)
• Results in an urgent need to eat
• Is unrelated to time since last meal
• Is specific, often for a particular food or brand
• Persists despite fullness
• Leads to guilt and shame after eating

Here are some ideas that may help you fill emotional hunger needs:

• Go for a walk, preferably at a nice place like the beach, park or harbor
• Call a good friend
• Pray
• Do yoga
• Find something or someone who will make you LAUGH HARD.