What are hunger cues? Simple explanation for young children.

📚 What are Hunger Cues?

Imagine your body is like a car 🚗. Cars need fuel (gasoline) to run. Our bodies need fuel (food!) to run, play, and learn. Hunger cues are like the car's fuel light turning on – they tell us we're getting low on fuel and need to eat something!

🤔 Simple Signs of Hunger

• 😫 Tummy Rumbles: That's your stomach making noises because it's empty and wants food! It's like your tummy is saying, "Hey, feed me!"
• 😩 Feeling Tired or Cranky: When you're hungry, you might feel a bit tired or grumpy. Think of it like a car trying to run on empty – it won't go very fast or smoothly!
• 🤯 Hard to Concentrate: It's tough to focus when you're hungry. Your brain needs food to work properly, just like a light bulb needs electricity to shine brightly.
• 🥺 Weakness: Feeling a bit wobbly or weak? That's another sign your body needs some fuel. It's like a plant that needs water – it starts to droop!

💡 Tips for Listening to Your Body

• 🕰️ Eat Regular Meals: Try to eat meals and snacks at regular times each day. This helps keep your body fueled and prevents you from getting too hungry.
• 👂 Pay Attention: Listen carefully to your body. When you notice any of the signs of hunger, it's time to eat something healthy.
• 🍎 Choose Healthy Foods: When you're hungry, pick healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. These foods give you the energy you need to play and learn!

🍎 Why is Recognizing Hunger Cues Important?

Learning to recognize your hunger cues helps you stay healthy and happy. It ensures that you get the fuel you need to grow big and strong! Ignoring hunger cues can lead to overeating later on. So, listen to your body and give it the food it needs when it asks for it!