Did someone say food? Well, I’m hungry now!
Just as soon as you hear the name of your favourite food item or smell the aroma while passing by a bakery, you start to have the urge to eat. Even the mere thought of delicious food can make you feel it on your palate and your mouth may water but are you actually hungry? Does your body actually need it?

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Well, the answer in this case is “No”. This sudden urge to eat is not hunger, it is in fact appetite. Hunger and appetite are often confused.

Hunger is the need to eat. Your body needs fuel to function. It sends you signals that you need food, like those stomach rumbles when the entire room goes silent and the only sound everyone can hear is well.. Your stomach rumble also known as hunger pangs.
Your body needs food (nutrient dense not calorie dense) that it will use to produce energy to perform different functions in the body.
Hunger cannot be controlled and if ignored then it can lead to risk of low blood sugar level, dizziness and fatigue.

Appetite is the desire to eat. It is triggered by your body’s different senses. It can also be because of psychological or emotional reasons; you may be stressed out, bored or sad and eating makes you feel better. However, unlike hunger, appetite can be controlled.
During the appetite cues the person can choose to eat poorly and the same person chooses nutrient-rich foods when hunger strikes.

Poor appetite can cause weight management issues. It is on you how you respond to the appetite cues to avoid any unnecessary weight gain. So, control your appetite and eat wisely!