Here’s an easy way to tell the difference between physical hunger and mental (emotional or habitual) hunger, so you can understand what kind of food noise you’re experiencing: Physical • Builds up gradually, not suddenly • You feel signs like stomach growling, low energy, lightheadedness, or irritability • Any food sounds appealing, not just specific cravings • Eating real food satisfies it and the thoughts go away • Happens when you haven’t eaten for several hours Mental or Emotional (Food Nois