Stave Off Boredom and Stop Overeating
Hey, you! Yeah, you! Did you just spend the last three nights in a row mindlessly munching in front of the television? If this sounds about right, you're not alone.
Boredom is one of the most common causes of overeating. SO many of us are drawn to the fridge the minute we have a little downtime. But if you eat because you can't find anything else to do, then you're sabotaging yourself.
So, what's the good news here? Well, part of your work is already done — you've identified boredom eating as a problem. But that was the past. Focus on the present — take the time to think ahead and come up with ways to combat every potentially sabotaging situation. For example, if food commercials on television make you hungry and/or drive you to snack uncontrollably, record or TiVo your shows so that you can skip those tempting commercials. Or, keep a few magazines close by so that you have something to zone out with until the commercials are over.
Losing weight isn't about making willpower an overwhelming new personality trait; it's about changing your everyday behavior. You can do this.
Make A Meal of It
When you eat, make a meal of it. No, I don't mean have several dishes when you're not that hungry. I mean take the time to enjoy your food. Turn off distracting noises, shut doors if possible to create a calm atmosphere. Play soothing music, set a nice table using your best dishes and silverware. And, no multi-tasking! That means no phone conversations, reading or working while you eat. Just focus on your food. Not only will you savor your food more this way, you'll be more aware when you are full and less likely to eat beyond hunger.
Hey, you! Yeah, you! Did you just spend the last three nights in a row mindlessly munching in front of the television? If this sounds about right, you're not alone.
Boredom is one of the most common causes of overeating. SO many of us are drawn to the fridge the minute we have a little downtime. But if you eat because you can't find anything else to do, then you're sabotaging yourself.
So, what's the good news here? Well, part of your work is already done — you've identified boredom eating as a problem. But that was the past. Focus on the present — take the time to think ahead and come up with ways to combat every potentially sabotaging situation. For example, if food commercials on television make you hungry and/or drive you to snack uncontrollably, record or TiVo your shows so that you can skip those tempting commercials. Or, keep a few magazines close by so that you have something to zone out with until the commercials are over.
Losing weight isn't about making willpower an overwhelming new personality trait; it's about changing your everyday behavior. You can do this.
Make A Meal of It
When you eat, make a meal of it. No, I don't mean have several dishes when you're not that hungry. I mean take the time to enjoy your food. Turn off distracting noises, shut doors if possible to create a calm atmosphere. Play soothing music, set a nice table using your best dishes and silverware. And, no multi-tasking! That means no phone conversations, reading or working while you eat. Just focus on your food. Not only will you savor your food more this way, you'll be more aware when you are full and less likely to eat beyond hunger.
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