[gregoryl]

Anecdotally (but an experience shared at by at least some other long distance runners), when I get quite far into a calorie deficit via exercise, my brain will start suggesting shortcuts - urges to cut the corner on a trail, take a shorter path back etc. Its quite interesting!

[naasking]

More than that, your body downregulates unconscious activity (known as NEAT). This reduces fidgeting and even influences how likely you are to get up, say if you're thirsty or have to pee. In a caloric deficit, you're more likely to just "decide" to not get up to get that drink.

[autoexec]

Considering the amount of effort it traditionally took to get food it's a shame that our brains would want us to be less active when it could otherwise start suggesting that we be even more active to find/hunt food.

[gregoryl]

The suggestions generally still work towards my goal; this is a different phenomena to "holy shit the consciousness is trying to kill us again" panic switch. Maybe its some low level optimisation to reduce energy expenditure, so we can last longer, and find even more food!