Do You Eat Just Because You're Bored? Here's How To Stop
Do you ever find yourself whipping out a bag of chips, and before you know it, the bag is empty? Now that it is common to eat lunch behind your desk, dinner in front of the TV, and mindless snacks throughout the day, your mind and body never realize that you are consuming food.
Click here for 10 Healthy Eating Habits to Pick Up slideshow.
When eating is not intentional, but instead simultaneous with other activities like work or traveling, you don't always have the awareness to realize that you are full after your meal or snack. Even worse, eating can become a coping method or a way to stave off boredom. Even if you cannot commit to eating lunch away from your desk, be mindful of what you are eating and how you feel afterwards.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
How can you break this dangerous habit? For starters, it may be helpful to remove the snacks from your desk. Snacks can be a distraction from your work and disappear quickly if you are not paying attention to what you're eating. If you like to snack throughout the day, try portioning out snacks in small bags or Tupperware. That way, you know exactly how much to eat.
Re-assess Your Meals
If your stomach is growling an hour after you eat lunch, it most likely did not contain enough protein and fiber to fill you. Make sure you pack a healthy lunch that is filled with lean protein and vegetables to keep you full throughout the day.
Take a Step Back
Are you really that hungry when you are snacking, or are you just trying to pass the time? A lot of the time, we mistake hunger for thirst, so make sure you have a big bottle of water with you at all times so you stay hydrated.
Take Your Sweet Time
To prevent yourself from overeating or mindless snacking, slow everything down when you eat. Put your fork down in between bites and chew everything thoroughly. That way, you will realize how delicious your food is and stop when you are full.
The accompanying slideshow is provided by fellow Daily Meal editorial staff member Lauren Gordon.