Hydrate Your Body to Better Manage Boredom Eating

While it is common for people to eat when emotions are high, such as anger, stress, or sadness, it is important to have a snack plan that doesn’t include raiding the fridge or pantry. Neurotransmitters in the brain are tied directly to feelings of reward and pleasure. When levels drop, the brain is not being stimulated and you are bored.

Boredom triggers the need to take an errant action that will cause pleasure. Both boredom eating and choosing unhealthy snacks can have an adverse impact on your overall health and body weight. Conversely, healthy snacks can help you maintain satiety and optimal energy levels throughout your day.

Make sure you are experiencing true hunger…

True hunger pangs will grow stronger the longer it has been since you’ve last eaten. If you are craving real foods that are naturally wholesome and filling, chances are you are experiencing true hunger. Try one of the tips listed below to stop eating out of boredom:

• Hydrate Your Body – According to the USDA, strawberries contain a surprising amount of water and is an excellent source of vitamin C. At 90+ percent water, it is a delicious snack that won’t leave you feeling guilty.
• Plan for Distractions – When you experience the urge to eat and you’re not hungry, a non-food distraction can be just as effective as having a snack. Consider taking a short walk or brew a fresh cup of your favorite herbal tea.
• 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 – When you’re running on low energy levels, taking a nap can suppress the production and release of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which is a common culprit for encouraging you to make poor food choices as well as fall victim to binge eating.

It’s important to have 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 to make in the moment. Make it your policy to ditch electronic devices while you are eating a meal or snack. If you put away your phone or computer and slow down for a moment, your mindset will be in the moment, and you will make better choices.

Although mindful eating doesn’t dictate the types of food you should eat, it requires you to do the planning before going shopping to avoid filling your cupboard or refrigerator with poor food choices that will be residing close by. Make it easier on yourself by having a backup plan.

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.