Listening to Your Tummy: Hunger & Fullness Cues

Your body is super smart and sends you messages all the time! Hunger cues are signals that your body needs fuel (food) for energy. Fullness cues are signals that your body has had enough fuel. Listening to these signals helps you feel your best. Hunger is like your car's 'low fuel' light. It means it's time to add some energy!Fullness is like knowing the tank is full. You don't need to add any more.

Maya is at the park. While climbing the monkey bars, her tummy makes a loud rumbling sound. She also feels a little weak and finds it hard to concentrate on playing. The Cue: Her grumbly tummy and feeling weak are hunger cues.The Message: Her body is saying, "I need energy to keep playing!"The Action: Maya tells her dad, and he gives her an apple and some cheese crackers from their bag.The Result: After her snack, Maya feels strong and energized again, ready to race her friends to the slide!

It's spaghetti night, which is Leo's favorite! He eats one whole plate and thinks about getting more. He decides to pause for a minute and check in with his body. The Cue: He notices his tummy doesn't feel empty anymore. It feels comfortable and calm.The Message: His body is sending fullness cues. It's saying, "I'm satisfied and have enough energy for now."The Action: Leo decides he's had enough and doesn't need a second plate.The Result: He feels good after dinner—not too sleepy or uncomfortably stuffed. He has plenty of energy to read his book before bed.