It’s December —the time to begin your treacherous Christmas shopping quest approaches and your shopping list is long. With great uncertainty, you bravely venture inside a mall in hopes of getting in and out as soon as possible. Overwhelming despair hits you like a bag of potatoes when you realize the lines are long, the crowds are claustrophobic, and when someone suddenly elbows you the wrong way.

That’s it! You’ve lost it!

Diagnosis? You're officially hangry (and tired from all the shopping…or lack thereof.)

Hangry adj. \‘häŋ-grē\ Being simultaneously hungry and angry because you’re SO hungry you’ve now become angry.

Physiologically speaking, getting hangry is your body's response to low blood sugar (aka glucose). During digestion, carbohydrates (found in starch, fruit, milk, and sugar) are broken down into glucose. Your body either uses this glucose immediately for energy or stores it for later. So when you’re holiday shopping in a busy mall and your blood sugar starts to run low, your body goes looking to your glucose stores for help. But what if there’s nothing there? This is when you start to get hangry.

The secret to avoid getting hangry is to come prepared with foods that are great at controlling blood sugar. Focus on products that are less processed, and are high in fiber, protein and healthy fats. Your body takes longer to convert these foods into glucose, which means your blood sugar will be more stable for those long shopping days. So here are some quick tips on how to handle the malls and crowds this holiday season.

Before the mall, fill your bag with:

A handful of nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts etc.), but only ¼ cup
A protein bar – but not any protein bar because some contain MORE calories and fat than a chocolate bar! Choose one that has 100 to 200 calories, at least 6g of protein, 5g of fiber, and 8g or less of fat.
Dry cereal, but only cereal that has a minimum of 4 grams of fiber and a maximum of 10 grams of sugar or plain air-popped popcorn
Milk or a milk alternative to-go
A piece of low glycemic fruit, such as: dried apricots, apple, orange or grapes

Magnesium, which may help support blood sugar stability, is a component of some of the healthiest foods; whole grains, almonds, lentils, spinach and pumpkin seeds. If you have the luxury of eating before hitting the mall try incorporating some of the above foods.

Leave at home:

Candy
Potato chips
Bakery items, such as cookies, muffins and scones
Sports drinks or cola
High glycemic fruit, such as dates, cantaloupe or raisins

These items have a low satiety, so you’ll be hungry again before you finish the bag

At the mall, grab:

A fruit smoothie with boosters such as flax or chia seeds, which add fiber, protein and omega 3’s to your smoothie
Steamed milk
Good quality trail mix

Walk past (or try to):

Mini donuts
Cinnamon buns
Coffee or caffeinated beverages especially on an empty stomach

These heavy ‘snacks’ will make you want to curl up and sleep instead of finishing your Christmas list.

When it comes down to a foot race for the last Elmo, you’ll be lapping the competition with these energy packed snacks. Happy shopping!

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Article was featured on November 19th in the North Shore News

Tips to Help Avoid Getting Hangry