Just say no to being hangry.

Woman looking angry

I know you have experienced it.  You start a new diet and now you are both angry from low blood sugar and hungry from the lack of food.  The problem is that this might not be what really happens.  A study from JAMA[1] argues the opposite is true.   The research was published in June of 2016.  

The study looked at 220 subjects divided into two groups.  One group was placed on a 25% calorie restriction and the other was continued on their normal diet.  Researchers tracked the participants for two years.  During this period, the subjects periodically filled out questionnaires about their mood, quality of life, sexual function and sleep. 

The study found that the subjects on the calorie restricted diet had some positive effects and no negative effects on health-related quality of life.  They had improved mood in the form of vigor, felt healthier, improved sleep, and sexual function.  

The bottom line: If you are “hangry“, it is probably not due to your diet.  You are more likely to have improved mood from a calorie restriction.