Be a Mindful Eater when Snacking Due to Boredom

Between-meal hunger has become a silent force that drives many people to start boredom eating. If you’ve let your guard down, you may not be identifying the difference between true hunger and eating because you’re bored. Once you understand what is causing you to snack, it makes it easier to deal with your exact emotions.

Sometimes there are good reasons as to why you are bored but quickly recognizing causes may result in choosing options other than eating. If you think you are hungry, think about choosing a snack from a plate full of superfoods. If this seems appealing, there is good chance that what you are feeling is true hunger.

Distractions can reduce your urge to boredom eat…

During downtime on the weekend, right after you get off work, or when you are headed to bed, it is easy for food cravings to enter an idle mind. But, craving a specific comfort food is associated with emotional eating. Here are several tips that can reduce your urge to eat when you’re not really hungry:

• Be a Mindful Eater – Taking the time to enjoy your snack will give you a fonder appreciation for your food choices. Mindful eating allows you to avoid blacking out from needlessly stuffing your face with food.
• Brush Your Teeth – Brushing your teeth at the first sign of hunger, it will make anything you do decide to eat to taste funny. Although it sounds like a simple idea, it really works especially after your lunch or dinner meals.
• Get More Sleep – If you are not properly rested, the overstimulation of everyday stress can cause you to tune out and engage in boredom eating. Getting a good night’s sleep will make it easier to avoid unwanted food cravings later in the day.
• Drink Enough Water – Water makes up sixty percent of your body. Hydration is crucial to help maintain good healthy by flushing toxins from the body and producing bodily fluids like saliva. Failing to consume enough can affect feelings of hunger.

Don’t let your environment fuel mindless eating…

Whether you are at home or the office, your environment can fuel mindless eating. If boredom sets in, trying running errands, visiting with a friend, or walk your dog. Researchers say your brain has a default network that turns on when you become disengaged from what you are doing. Moreover, your brain actively fosters creative ideas when you are bored. Some are good but others result in negative outcomes. Cravings are a good cue that your emotions may be driving your hunger. When boredom adds a double shot of creative energy, the next thing you know you are day dreaming about all of your favorite food possibilities.

At Metabolic Research Center, our team will show you how eating out of boredom is really pointless because you don’t physically need to eat. Connect with MRC today and start enjoying what you eat.