Understanding Hunger: What to Do When You Feel Hungry

Hunger is more complicated than simply "needing food." Episode #257 🎙️ In this episode, Dr. Terri Lance is joined by Dr. Fung to explore the different types of hunger and how to respond to them effectively. Building on previous conversations around The Hunger Code, they break down the differences between homeostatic, hedonic, and conditioned hunger — and explain why understanding these distinctions can completely change your approach to eating, fasting, and weight loss. From satiety hormones and ultra-processed foods to emotional eating and social connection, this episode explores both the biological and behavioural drivers behind hunger and overeating. 👉 What you'll learn: • The difference between homeostatic, hedonic, and conditioned hunger • How hormones influence hunger and satiety • Why ultra-processed foods make hunger harder to manage • The role of mindfulness and slowing down while eating • Why emotional eating is about more than just willpower • How connection and community affect eating behaviour ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 — Why reducing weight loss to one factor doesn't work 00:28 — Introduction to the different types of hunger 01:37 — Homeostatic hunger and physical hunger cues 03:48 — Ultra-processed foods and satiety 05:31 — Food volume, fiber, and fullness 08:24 — How eating speed affects hunger 10:13 — Why hunger changes throughout the day 11:26 — Exercise and appetite suppression 12:47 — Why hunger matters more than calories 13:54 — Mindful eating and slowing down 14:19 — "Pregaming hunger" before fasting 15:31 — Why eating extra before a fast doesn't help 16:58 — Body fat, fasting, and the "bank vault" analogy 20:17 — Hedonic hunger and emotional eating 22:14 — Why talking about emotions actually helps 25:06 — Community, connection, and weight loss 28:54 — Food, relationships, and social connection 30:07 — Why weight loss is about more than diet 32:04 — The problem with reductionist thinking 35:12 — Changing your relationship with food 36:35 — Why being heard matters 39:17 — Final thoughts and wrap-up 📝 Transcript The transcript for this episode is available on our website: https://www.thefastingmethod.com/podcasts/ 💛 Community Support Join The Fasting Method Community for guidance, accountability, and coaching support: https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/ ✨ Partner Offer 🧪 Curious about Aeira? Learn more at drinkaeira.com and use the discount code podcast10 for 10% off Aeira products. 📣 Connect With Us Instagram: <a class="decorated-link" href= "https://www.insta