Time to shed light on things we cannot see, but can certainly hear. It starts with the basic functional unit of life: the cell. Our cells speak to us every day, and cellular hunger is a real concept....a concept that has been negated by eating "do's" and "don'ts" (I'm no fan of rules), noisy demands of hectic schedules, and easy traps that preoccupy minds. Is it possible to finish an entire meal, pick through the cabinets, and still not feel "full"? Absolutely. It is a cultural trend to be over-fed and under-nourished.
(Grapes in Napa. A piece of inspiration to relax the mind enough to listen to the cells.)
Becoming more aware of what your body is asking for is not difficult, it just requires slowing down.
To prove a point: You are out for a run in the heat, sweat like a pig, come home and down a few cups of water. After your shower you crave salty crackers, when 2 hours earlier, this wasn't nearly appealing. You may have lost a Nalgene's worth of water on your little sweaty run, and with water goes salt. This is cellular communication at its finest. Replete the lost sodium, it tells you. Bingo.
We know that it's easy lose the sound of cellular hunger, but cravings are in place for a reason. It's a primal instinct that has allowed us to survive since the creation of man.
Satisfying cellular hunger starts with noticing basic elements: water, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, fat, and minerals. It's asking the body what it needs to do its work. Citrus? Peanut butter? Crunchy, salty potato chips? A tall glass of milk? A simple glass of water? Not hungry at all?
Our bodies are unendingly brilliant, and now is a great time to start listening. You might learn something.