By Tammy Davis
Have you ever been “hangry”? That all-too-familiar mix of hunger and frustration that makes you feel like a completely different person? It’s what happens when your body craves nourishment and your emotions spiral as a result. It reminds me of the classic Snickers commercials that say, “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” If I’m honest, I’ve felt this way more times than I’d like to admit.
Being hangry is just one example of how food—or the lack of it—can profoundly affect our mood, mindset, and overall well-being. During the pandemic, when many of us were stuck at home, I experienced this connection firsthand. Like so many others, I turned to food for comfort and out of sheer boredom.
My typical day started with an indulgent breakfast: fried chicken and waffles, scrambled eggs with cheese, fried potatoes with onions and peppers, baked apples, buttery biscuits, and a large cup of sugary coffee. That meal alone was enough to send me back to bed for a nap! By the time I woke up, I’d be hunting for my next meal—usually something equally rich and unhealthy.
Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Roll-Ups
