A high nutrient density diet was associated with more feelings of hunger in the mouth and throat and less in the head and stomach.

Joel Fuhrman’s quote highlights the psychological and physical effects of a high nutrient density diet. He suggests that when individuals consume foods rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, they tend to feel hunger more in the mouth and throat rather than in the head and stomach. The reference to hunger in the mouth and throat implies a more physical, immediate feeling of wanting food, which can be associated with the sensation of taste or the body's immediate need for fuel.

On the other hand, hunger in the head or stomach often refers to emotional cravings or the desire for comfort foods that are high in sugar or processed fats, which don’t necessarily provide lasting nutrition. These types of cravings are more about mindless eating or psychological hunger, which can occur when the body isn't actually in need of nutrients but is instead responding to habits, emotions, or environmental cues.

Fuhrman’s point is that a high nutrient density diet helps to satisfy the body's true nutritional needs, which reduces the emotional or habitual hunger that often leads to overeating. When people eat nutrient-rich foods, they are less likely to experience the kind of food cravings that are rooted in mental or emotional triggers, and more likely to experience genuine satisfaction from their meals.

In essence, Fuhrman’s quote emphasizes the difference between physical and emotional hunger and suggests that eating foods with a high nutrient density helps fulfill the body’s real needs, reducing the urge for unnecessary eating driven by emotions or bad habits. This approach leads to healthier, more mindful eating patterns and can be a powerful tool in maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being.