Hangry?

We’re all familiar with the feeling – sometimes things are too hectic in the morning because we’ve hit the snooze button one time too many. After our shower, choosing our outfit, brushing our teeth and styling, we only have time for a few mouthfuls of muesli or a slice of bread. Once we get to work, we realise that our stomachs aren’t satisfied with our breakfast choice. We’re hungry, our stomachs are growling and we’ve still got 1½ hours to go until lunchtime. Suddenly we find it hard to concentrate. A workmate comes over to talk to us about an outstanding project. Normally we’re friendly and up for a joke, but we surprise ourselves a little by snapping at them. 

That’s the moment when we realise: we’re hangry! If you hadn’t already guessed, “hangry” is a portmanteau of the words hungry and angry.

Is it the case that you’ve often been in a bad mood recently, whether you’re hungry or not, and you’ve definitely felt more upbeat before? Then try our CAPS moodoo! They are a natural way of getting more serenity and joie de vivre back into your life – just like it says in the song – “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”!

Why do we get hangry anyway?

First and foremost, it’s down to a decline in our blood sugar levels. Because once the concentration of glucose sinks in our blood, so do our energy levels. That in turn impairs our performance, we lose our concentration and we make more mistakes. But these things alone are not what makes us bad-tempered, because a bad mood always depends on the given situation. We experience unpleasant feelings and negative things that happen to us more strongly if we’re hungry. That in turn has a negative impact on ourselves and those around us.

How do I combat hangryness?

• Recognise that you are hangry

If you are aware that you’re angry because you’re hungry, your mood will already lighten up a bit straight away.

• Ensure that you have a balanced diet

To avoid getting hangry in the first place, we recommend a balanced diet – and enough time to enjoy it. You’ll find tips for a balanced diet in our COMPLETE d-eat guide.

• Avoid sweets and fatty foods

Sweets boost our blood sugar levels briefly but they then decline just as rapidly as they shot up. So the high is followed by an ever deeper low.

• Find a solution that suits you

No matter what others tell you, do what feels right for you. Have a snack drawer, take a supply of COMPLETE d-eat with you for when you’re out of the house, or set the alarm clock a little earlier so you have enough time for a balanced breakfast – it’s entirely up to you.