Which of the following is an external eating cue?

• A. Smell of Food
• B. Hunger Pangs
• C. Stomach Contractions
• D. Low Blood Sugar

Answer: (A)

External eating cues are environmental signals that prompt eating, even when you don’t truly need calories. The smell of food is a classic example because odors travel through the air and can trigger appetite, make food seem more appealing, and lead you to eat more or start eating despite not being hungry. In contrast, hunger pangs, stomach contractions, and low blood sugar are internal signals—bodily states that reflect an energy deficit or need for fuel. So the smell of food fits the idea of an external cue, while the others represent internal cues that come from within the body.