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Comment by crazygringo | Hacker News Reader

I don't know if I'm different, or what -- but I simply cannot concentrate on an empty stomach. When I find myself just staring at the computer screen, unable to write code -- it's usually because it's 11am and I didn't eat enough breakfast, or 11pm and I didn't eat enough dinner. It's not the distraction of hunger, it's just that my brain isn't getting the energy it needs to think properly. I have to go snack on something (usually substantial) to get enough energy going back to my brain -- and then I'm fine.

In fact, I've often been mystified by people trying to lose weight who barely eat anything all day, yet still manage to get work done effectively, participate in meetings intelligently, etc. I wish I could, but I swear, when I'm hungry it's like my IQ is cut in half.

Still, just from talking with friends about it, it seems like I'm the outlier here.

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This is somewhat related and quite interesting.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/20/health/nutrition/20best.ht...

I have a similar issue. From what I can tell using my layman's understanding of the nutrition involved, fat or protein will give you steady energy throughout the day, but sugar or refined carbs (like white bread) will just temporarily spike your blood sugar and lead to much unhappiness a little later.

Either way, if I don't pay attention to my energy intake, I don't necessarily get hungry - I just end up slouched in front of the computer accomplishing nothing without the energy to even get up and move. My thinking falls into repetitive ruts - I'll attack a problem from the same direction over and over, neglect any sort of creative solution, or even fail to execute a basic troubleshooting routine I should know applies.

The article still seems to apply, though: being too full is really terrible for maximum motivation and really getting things done. It may be best to eat good, solid meals, but none of them too massive, and not just before you need to do hard work.

I think people do react differently to hunger (as well as lack of sleep, alcohol, caffeine etc) -- however I recall hearing that hunger does indeed make us restless -- the theoretical rationalization was it stimulates searching for food, as opposed to sitting down and searching for the meaning of life.

That lines up pretty well with my personal experiences -- and it might explain "smarter" mice -- mice that actively seek out some kind of solution -- without generalizing to humans preforming theoretical tasks well on an empty stomach. On the contrary, my impression was that there are numerous studies that show that free (healthy) meals at schools boost academic performance.

I agree - hunger for me is a distraction, and the sooner I can take care of it, the sooner I can get focused again. Eating could certainly be a distraction if you overeat to the point of being tired after a meal, but eating properly, imo, takes care of something that would otherwise be hindering my productivity.

I'm the same way. I've never understood people who work all day and, at 11pm, casually mention that they haven't eaten since last night. If I even skip breakfast I can't get any work done until lunch.

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