Ways to Avoid Mindless Munching

Boredom, stress, loneliness and even feeling tired can lead you to the kitchen and trigger a mindless munching session. Eating when you’re not hungry is not only a bad habit, but it will likely lead to weight gain. Most of us reach for snacks just to pass the time, but when you want to stay fit and ward off those excess pounds, it’s important to pay attention to your hunger level and steer clear of the cookie jar, candy bowl and the kitchen! Here are some simple ways to avoid mindless munching:

Avoid Eating in Front of the Television or Computer

Make a point about not eating in front of the television, or while you’re working on the computer because it’s easy to forget what you’re eating and zone out. Sit down at the dining table when you’re eating a meal, and eat a snack in a quiet, calm environment so that you can really taste the food. This will also let your mind register that you’ve just eaten something.

Don’t Keep Junk Food Lying Around

If you have a stock of junk food in the house, you’re likely to eat it when you’re feeling sad, bored or stressed out. Stock up on healthy foods and meals that will satisfy you throughout the day so you don’t turn to unhealthy food just to pass the time. The same goes for the office – don’t fill your desk drawer with unhealthy foods and snacks.

Stop Eating before You’re Full

Most people don’t actually feel full until about 10 or 20 minutes after they’ve started eating. This means you need to slow down your eating pace and really pay attention to what you eat in order to recognize whether you’re full, or still hungry. Take the time to chew your food and make a point to stop eating when you start to feel full. 

Trick Yourself with the Right Plate Size

If you fill up a smaller plate with food, your mind will think that you are eating a large portion. The same amount of food on a larger plate will make you think that you are only getting a small portion! Pile on the food on a smaller plate so that you feel that you are eating a full meal, and you may just is more satisfied as a result.

Brush Your Teeth after a Meal

Brushing your teeth after a meal will prevent you from reaching for seconds or loading up on dessert, and will also do your gums and teeth a favor. Get into the habit of brushing your teeth after each meal so that you can break away from ‘eating mode’ and avoid mindless eating altogether.