The New Atkins Lifestyle reveals the secret cure to beating ‘hanger’ pangs

Ever wondered why you are feeling bad tempered and irritable for no reason? Sometimes, something as simple as a malfunctioning mobile phone application sets you off in fits of rage. Turns out it could be because you’re not irrationally angry- you’re just hungry or ‘hangry’. 

Being ‘hangry’ is defined as being irritable and ill tempered as a result of hunger and it turns out that being ‘hangry’ is quite a common phenomenon after all. Linda O’Byrne, the New Atkins Lifestyle nutritionist has decoded the ‘hangry’ myth, and explains people often get hungry and angry because of a severe drop in blood sugar levels, as well as over-consumption of sugar and processed carbohydrates. 

Linda said: “When you have gone too long between meals, your blood sugar levels drop and this can lead to you feeling very emotional.” The nutritionist explains that eating foods high in sugar can spike blood sugar levels; leading to crashes in energy, drop in mood and weight gain. 

Linda added that if you regularly eat foods that are high in sugar and carbs, this could play the same effect on your body. After your blood insulin levels spike, the body crashes within an hour or two, leaving you irritable and emotional.  

The nutritionist highlighted sugar is not needed in the diet – in any form. “Sugar has no nutritional value. You can get all the complex carbs your body needs from foods that are very low in sugar such as vegetables and pulses,” she added. 

According to Linda, even athletes don’t need sugar. “When you reduce carb intake, your body switches to burning fat for fuel which is more efficient as you have thousands of calories worth of energy from fat; compared to a few hundred calories worth from carbohydrates. This means your workout will be more efficient and intense,” she added. 

Linda said that the only cure for this phenomenon is to eat regularly, and keep blood sugar stable, which in turn, tends to stabilise mood and increase energy. Linda stated that sometimes people assume that irritable behavior and mood swings are the body’s method of signaling for carbohydrates. However, Linda busted the myth by stating that carb consumption when the blood sugar is low leads to only temporary satiation of the body’s needs. 

“When you are craving carbs, it could be because your blood sugar has crashed leaving you with cravings. Protein and fat containing foods are more satiating and will keep energy and mood lifted for longer, taking the edge off cravings and improving mood,” added Linda.

Replacing unhealthy sugars with healthy options 

Atkins bars and shakes are a great replacement as they have the great taste with a fraction of the sugar content. Linda said: “Strong tasting foods – such as cheese, olives and some meats – help to cure a sugar craving. Make sure you’re hydrated too as being dehydrated can often be mixed up with hunger so have a large glass of water and decide if you’re really hungry, then make a healthier choice than a sugar laden snack,” added Linda. 

What to eat after workouts? 

After workouts, eating protein rich foods such as chicken, fish, meat or eggs will provide the body with amino acids, which will help with muscle repair and recovery. Pair the protein with some complex carbohydrates, in the form of vegetables, for a balanced, healthy post-workout meal