Hunger → Brushing Teeth | No.138
The problem of wanting to put something in your mouth when you're hungry
Around 4:00 PM or after 9:00 PM, the thought "I want to eat something" suddenly strikes.
You open the fridge and take a piece of chocolate. You grab a cookie from the shelf. You intended to have "just a little," but then you have two, three... before you know it, you've eaten quite a bit. Haven't you had that experience? The moment this "wave of hunger" hits, our minds instantly switch to "eating mode." Even if you try to use willpower, the sensation of your mouth craving something is quite difficult to overcome.
What's important here is not "enduring it," but the idea of "flipping a different switch first." I'd like to recommend a very simple method. Please remember just one thing.
When hunger strikes, first try "brushing your teeth"
That's all you have to do. When you feel hungry, before heading to the fridge, go to the washroom and brush your teeth first.
You might think, "Wait, that's it?" But for many people, this method is surprisingly effective when actually put into practice.
When you brush your teeth, your mouth becomes filled with the refreshing sensation of mint. Then, strangely enough, the feeling of "wanting to eat something" settles down. If you try to eat chocolate or cookies right after brushing your teeth, they taste strange, don't they? You are effectively utilizing that "loss of appetite" sensation.
The key is to do it "immediately" after feeling hungry. If you put it off by saying "I'll brush later," your hand will reach for food in the meantime. "I'm hungry" → "Okay, time to brush." The trick is to make this sequence almost like a reflex.
Brushing your teeth only takes a minute or two. You don't need any special tools. You can do it anywhere, whether at home or by keeping a toothbrush in your work locker. Since it's just "switching your mouth's mode" rather than "enduring," it's less stressful.
Why is the "mouth switch" so effective?
It is said that the hunger we feel consists of hunger when we are truly lacking energy, and "false hunger" that comes from having an empty mouth. Especially when we tend to reach for snacks, it is often the latter.
Brushing your teeth directly addresses this feeling of "my mouth wants something." When your mouth is refreshed by the stimulation of mint, your brain is more likely to feel that "my mouth is satisfied now."
Of course, if you are truly hungry, please eat a proper meal. If you continue to feel strong hunger even after brushing your teeth, that is a sign that your body needs food. I recommend using this as a switching technique only when you feel "a little peckish."
Another nice thing is that increasing the frequency of brushing your teeth also improves your oral care. It's killing two birds with one stone if you can manage your hunger while also cleaning your teeth.
Today's 1 Action
Prepare one toothbrush for your washroom and one for your desk at work, and the next time you think "I'm hungry," try brushing your teeth first.
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*This article is a summary of personal experiences and impressions and does not constitute medical advice or recommend any specific fasting method. If you have concerns about your physical condition, please consult a professional.
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