Prepare Snacks Ahead of Time to Control Boredom Eating

Studies have shown that social isolation can cause individuals to eat too much as well as triggers a desire to increase sugar intake. Be mindful that eating when you are bored often serves as a coping mechanism and raises levels of dopamine in the brain.

So, prepare snacks ahead of time, where you can control portion size and nutritional content. 

Boredom can lead to overeating from unconscious snacking when food is too readily available. Any foods that you start eating and literally can’t stop until the container is empty, should not be kept in your kitchen cupboard, pantry or fridgerator. 

Mindless eating can be a major contributor to weight gain…

Any nutritionist will tell you that boredom eating is not the best practice. In fact, afternoon munchies are seldom about satisfying actual hunger. Here are some tips for managing boring moments:

• Do Something Fun – If you need another reason to get up and move, here it is. By simply moving between rooms or doing chores, you are more likely to forget about snacking while managing your boredom.
• Brush Your Teeth – Although brushing your teeth is a healthy distraction, the act causes some people to go in search of food, so you should try this one and judge for yourself.
• Make Sure You’re Hydrated – Regardless of whether you are thirsty or not, health experts believe that you should sip on water throughout the day. Called the “8x8 Rule”, you should aim for consuming eight 8-ounces glasses (about ½ a gallon) water every day.
• Add a Protein Snack – Overcoming food boredom comes from preparing healthy things to eat for snacks or meals. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends eating nutrient-dense foods at both meal time as well as when your reach for a mid-afternoon snack.

Fend off negative thoughts and ideas by being more mindful…

Appetite is your desire to eat food. It is distinct from hunger, which is the body’s biological response to a lack of food. Food cravings can strike suddenly and at typically at a time when the easiest options available are likely to be bad for your health, which explains why you can have an appetite even if your body is not really hungry.

It is important that you do not confuse relaxation with boredom. When you notice food cravings or feel uncomfortable due to boredom, rather than eat try sitting with your eyes closed and allow your mind to wander without distractions like TV or computers.

At Metabolic Research Center, our approach is backed by 30 years of scientific experience. Our programs consist of eating lean protein coupled with vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Call today to learn more about our personalized approach to healthy living.