[imagesource: Getty]

Hanger – a mashup of hunger and anger – isn’t just a handy excuse for being grumpy, because it’s very real.

We all know someone who goes full ‘Hulk smash’ when it hits 4PM and they have been away from food for too long.

Some of the symptoms include becoming aggressive, distracted, and impulsive, making sticking to a diet when the closest thing is a doughnut near impossible.

While the term has taken on a life of its own (see #hangry on Twitter), and while it might seem like a pop culture phenomenon, there is some science behind it, according to Verywell Fit.

When you get hungry your blood sugar takes a dive, and glucose, your brain’s main fuel source, is diminished.

Your brain is dependent on glucose to function, so when it’s not getting enough, your brain starts to struggle with tasks like behaving appropriately or remembering that you actually love the friend who just told you that they’re running late to the restaurant.

It all comes down to the ‘gut-brain’ reaction.

Registered dietitian and nutrition expert Molly Cleary breaks it down:

“When our blood sugar gets low, it also triggers hormones to be secreted from other organs in our bodies. Some of these hormones play a role in behavior control, and their secretion can make us more aggressive.”

If you like infographics, you’re in luck:

Image: The Conversation

All of this is great when it comes to justifying why you threw a stapler at your coworker, but it doesn’t solve the problem, so here are a few tips for avoiding the hanger.

Do your best to eat a balanced mix of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. You should also snack on something when you feel the rage kicking in.

Banana, fruit, and yoghurt are the recommended booster foods. Keeping a couple of smoothies on hand is also a great way to stave off the hanger.

They require no prep, and are a healthier alternative to eating the entire contents of the fridge.

If you’re looking for smoothies that meet your banana, fruit, and yoghurt needs, Sir Fruit’s smoothie range has you covered.

The Pineapple, Coconut, Banana, Yoghurt, and Oats smoothie gives you all the benefits of a bowl of oats and fruit without the hassle.

Then there’s the Rasberry, Beetroot, Strawberry, Yoghurt and Oats smoothie, complete with chia seeds if that’s your thing, and a more tropical-style smoothie for the mango fans.

Ensure that you have a couple of these within reach, or order online for home delivery, and then enjoy never having to say the words “I’m sorry for what I said when I was hangry” again.

[source:verywellfit]