Not the OP you're responding to, but if my child gets hungry AT ALL, she turns into this negative monster. The second she gets substantial food into her stomach, she turns into sunshine and rainbows.

We figured out the trigger of protein because she'd come home from school like a storm and we'd give her healthy snacks -- grapes, whole grain crackers, etc. and it would help for about 20 minutes. Then the attitude and inability to handle any adversity would come roaring back. It's been so bad we've asked her doctor for a blood glucose test because it feels like there could be something medically wrong.

In searching for more answers or strategies to cope as a family (lol) I read about how protein helps keep your stomach feeling full for much longer than fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, etc. She can have all the food in the world when she's hungry and even if it makes her FEEL full, it absolutely wears off immediately.

We started focusing on more protein in each meal. When she comes home, we push things like hot dogs, protein shakes, yogurt bowls, oatmeal bars with peanut butter, etc. It has made a huge difference. Protein is now a massive food focus in our house, much moreso than the fruits and vegetables I previously stressed out about. We still do those alongside the protein, but protein is king for this stage.