The Broccoli Test: A Simple Way to Know If You’re Actually Hungry

We’ve all been there. Wandering into the kitchen, opening the fridge, staring blankly, and asking ourselves, “Why did I come in here?”

Sometimes, we end up snacking without even realizing it — not because we’re hungry, but because we need a break, a distraction, or a little comfort.

So how do you know the difference between true hunger and emotional eating?

That’s where the Broccoli Test comes in — a simple, powerful tool that I teach all my clients.

What Is the Broccoli Test?

The broccoli test is a binary hunger check — a way to instantly determine whether you’re truly hungry or just reaching for food out of habit or emotion.

Here’s how it works:

Ask yourself: “Would I eat broccoli right now?”, or perhaps "Would I eat an apple right now?" 

If the answer is yes, you’re likely experiencing physical hunger.

If the answer is no, your hunger may be emotional — and your body may need something else entirely.

Why This Works

You don’t need to crave broccoli to do this — you just need to identify a food you personally associate with true hunger. It could be broccoli, an apple, a boiled egg, or even a plain baked potato.

Think of it like this:

You probably wouldn’t stress-eat broccoli. You probably wouldn’t grab an apple out of boredom. But when your body needs nourishment, those foods sound just right.

So… what’s your “broccoli”? (And yes, I actually give my clients fridge magnets that say: “Would I eat broccoli?”)

What to Do If You’re Not Hungry

If broccoli doesn’t sound good, that means one thing:

You’re not actually hungry.

But don’t just go back to work or power through. Chances are, you came into the kitchen or break room for a reason -  your brain and body are looking for a break.

This is where the broccoli test becomes part of a bigger transformation.

Instead of eating, ask yourself:

What would truly replenish me right now?

Maybe you need to:

• Step outside for fresh air
• Sit on a hot rock in the sun, like at my house when the sun's out :-)
• Do 10 minutes of self-hypnosis - (get our free recordings: The Alpha Sequence and Relaxation Recordings)
• Walk around the block 
• Cuddle with your dog 
• Read a page of a book 
• Pick a song and dance, or dance without music at all
• Just be for a few quiet moments

The goal is to do something fulfilling, not just distracting,  something that truly feeds your spirit instead of feeding a craving.

This isn't the moment to tackle other chores; for instance, many clients might think, "I'll fold the laundry or tidy up the living room." However, this approach often fails because the mind genuinely needs a break, and contemplating additional tasks only increases feelings of overwhelm or boredom.

As I tell my clients, if you were to drive from Bellingham to Los Angeles, you'd certainly make some rest stops. Just as a car requires fuel and occasional cleaning, you also need a rest stop - and nourishment -  healthy, nutritious, and energizing food.

When You Are Hungry

If broccoli sounds good? Awesome. That means your body is asking for nourishment - and you can feel good about eating.

This simple question helps you eat with clarity and confidence, because you’re responding to a real signal, not a subconscious pattern or stress response.

You’ll naturally reach for foods that feel good in your body. And over time, you’ll notice:

• Less food noise 
• Fewer cravings 
• Better sleep 
• More peace with eating 

Why This Matters

When we meet our deeper needs - rest, creativity, connection, joy,  we no longer rely on food to do that job. The mind no longer has to bribe you with snacks just to get a break.

And that’s the real power of this process:

It’s not just about eating less,  it’s about living more.

Try It Today

Next time you find yourself standing in the kitchen or thinking about grabbing a snack, pause for a moment. Ask:

Would I eat broccoli right now?

Let that one question guide you toward real hunger… or a different kind of nourishment you might really need.

💚 Want to take it further?

Visit ReprogramYourWeight.com to get a free hypnosis recording and discover how peaceful, natural eating can feel - without food journaling, calorie counting, or self-blame.