Have you ever started getting real snappy with people for no reason at all? Has it always been after not eating for a few hours?  Do you feel instantly better once you have a meal? What you are experiencing is the feeling of being “hangry”, a real thing.

This happens because the lower your blood sugar gets, the less fuel your brain has to function. Survival mode kicks in, and you do the things you need to, but when it comes to things like being nice or having a logical conversation – you probably are no longer equipped to handle it.  “Hanger” means you act more impulsively and get angry at the most miniscule things. Avoiding a blood sugar crash is something your brain, your body and your friends will thank you for.  Low blood sugar can have a great effect on things that require self-control, as these take up a lot of energy, hence your outburst when you are hungry.   

You can combat getting “hangry” by making sure you have a snack on hand at any given time, especially if you wait many hours between meals.  Snacking throughout the day is not a bad habit, so long as it's conducted in moderation and with healthy choices. Good-for-you snacks can be part of a healthy diet if snacking is done in a sensible way —hence not eating the entire bag of dark chocolate Hershey Kisses. The truth is what you snack on in between meals goes a long way, especially in keeping your metabolism burning. If you have a regular exercise routine, it can also help continue to tone your muscles throughout the day.

If you work a steady 9 to 5 job then you know that the three-o’clock slump is a very real thing.  For those of you not familiar with the term, the 3 p.m. slump is the energy crash, and mental fogginess you feel a few hours before the end of the work day. The best way to keep energy up, and avoid getting “hangry”, is to eat well. The general rule of thumb for high energy foods are those high in fiber but low in glycemic index.

Glycemic index measures the variation in blood sugar levels according to foods consumed. Foods with carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, tend to have a low GI.  Consuming foods with high GI will cause a spike in blood sugar and energy, translating to a jolt of energy followed by a crash.  This constant up and down will leave you exhausted.  For this reason we look to foods with low GI to create a sustained level of energy.  The following foods are great for a quick energy boost that will last and keep your mind and your body stable:

·       TOMATOES

·       BLUEBERRIES

·       BLACK BEANS

·       WALNUTS

·       OATS

·       SALMON

·       APPLE

·       BANANA

·       NUT BUTTER