Water Can Help Fill Empty Space in Your Stomach

Studies have shown that social isolation can cause individuals to eat too much and trigger a desire for increased sugar intake. When you feel bad, it is easy to eat badly, which can make matters worse. For example, you can easily convince yourself that your body needs food when you’re really bored. It is important to be mindful of the processed foods and the total amounts of sugar you are consuming each day. When you reach for a snack, choose high-energy, minimally-processed, low-carb options that will satiate you, like nuts, raw veggies, or a hard-boiled egg. That way you can avoid an unplanned intake of empty calories.

Avoid habitual snacking to feel excited when you are bored…

Be mindful that eating when you are bored often serves as a coping mechanism and raises your levels of dopamine in the brain. If you are struggling to fight the urge to snack when you are bored, these options are proven strategies that support healthy living:

• Make Sure You’re Hydrated – Water can help fill empty space in your stomach to function as a natural appetite suppressant to curb unnecessary snacking.
• Do Something Fun – Boredom eating is using food to feel better. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fix the problem. Excite yourself with a brief walk or dance to some music.
• Brush Your Teeth – Brushing your teeth is a physical distraction that can help prevent mindless eating. The fresh minty taste in your mouth will overpower any immediate food cravings.
• Add a Protein Snack – When you’re bored with the task at hand and find yourself day dreaming about food cravings, you might not be consuming the right amount of protein. Combining lean protein with high-fiber foods can keep you feeling full longer.

Boredom triggers a default network when you feel disinterested…

Scientists say the brain has a default network mode that turns on when you are disinterested in what you’re doing. Which is why nutritionists working in the field of weight management recommend identifying non-food or healthy food strategies to buy time for riding out urges that trigger boredom eating. On a positive note, boredom is a natural function for replenishing your mojo by providing time for creative ideas to hatch. So, 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.

When it comes to managing daily stress, you cannot always control the stressor. At Metabolic Research Center, we have over 30 years of experience in helping clients manage negative events like eating mindlessly, or boredom eating.