Water Filled Snacks Are Great for Boredom Eating

We live in such a fast-paced world where instant gratification has become the norm. That makes it easy to forget how important it can be to stop yourself and realize that it is okay to be bored, so take time to enjoy a moment to relax.

Recognizing the difference between true hunger, like stomach growling when your stomach is hollow, and boredom that can lead to mindless eating, is crucial for eliminating unnecessary energy intake.

It is not unusual to reach for a treat when there is nothing else to do. Even though you are not actually hungry, boredom eating from time to time can be normal but learn to recognize it and sip on a protein drink or snack on some fresh berries or nuts.

How to stop turning to food to relieve boredom…

If you allow bored eating to become your pleasure of choice, it becomes reinforced in the brain. Like any bad habit, recognizing your problem and being more mindful of a healthy lifestyle and help you stop turning to food for relief. Try one of the tips below:

• Plan for Distractions – When you’re mindlessly working on a task at hand and have a food craving, try brushing your teeth. It supports good dental hygiene and will serve as a distraction and the fresh taste will make you less likely to snack.
• Hydrate Your Body – Drinking water help take up space in your stomach, which will keep you feeling full longer. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water whenever your brain suggests it is time to eat.
• Healthy Snacks – Most often, portion size is the biggest problem people have with boredom eating. If you bag your own 100-calorie snacks ahead of time, you can choose to eat healthier foods and your snacks will be accounted for as part of daily food consumption.
• Take a Power Nap – A study at Stanford University concluded that a lack of sleep can increase ghrelin production (hunger hormone), while suppressing the release of leptin, which can lead to overeating.

Plan for when you suddenly feel the urge to eat…

Although snacks are okay once in a blue moon, keep healthy foods to snack on close at hand. Make it easier on yourself by having a backup plan. Whether you intend to eat a snack or not, a plan for when you suddenly feel hungry means you won’t have any other decisions.

Start by buying fewer soft drinks, high fat/high calorie snack foods, such as chips, cookies, and candy. Substitute fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds.

Water is a critical nutrient that often gets overlooked when someone is planning their daily intake of food and drink. The Institute of Medicine says men need about thirteen 8-ounce cups a day and women should consume at least nine cups.

At Metabolic Research Center, we understand that managing boredom eating can be key to successful, long-term weight loss success. The MRC approach is to restore your energy and stamina, so you are less likely to experience unwanted food cravings, as well as teaching you about non-food distractions.