I think a new, challenging element is energy, where you would have to eat/drink something to refill your energy (think Minecraft).
A food meter is already confirmed NOT to be in-game, at least for now, so I guess you'll have to wait for mods to appear.
Just out of couriosity where did they say that? its not that I don't belive you its just I think it would be a great idea and I am relactant to think they said they wouldn't.
http://community.playstarbound.com/index.php?threads/list-of-announced-game-information.450/ There are a number of features at the bottom of the list that have been confirmed not to be in the game. P.S.: Of course, as Blue already states in his list, it is not 100% accurate, as devs may change their minds.
Thanks. I really hope they will change their mind if enough people like it! But alas I can only hope...
Tiy and Rho_ said on the IRC that a food meter is just annoying and no game has been able to do it properly. So I think there'll be no hunger bar in the game.