Try Walking Your Dog When You Notice a Food Craving

Boredom eating is when food takes center stage because you are dealing with an uncomfortable feeling. If you are having a food craving, take time to determine if the hunger is biological but make it a healthy snack either way. Generally speaking, meals that contain a healthy mix of carbs, protein, fat and color from fruits or veggies provide a nice mix of nutrients that will satisfy your hunger throughout the day. If your stomach is growling or you feel like it is empty or hollow, these are normal signs that you are hungry and need to eat. Some people have even stronger sensations and may experience headaches or shakiness.

Strategies for better managing boredom eating…

In today’s world, snacking has become a source of entertainment, but it is not nourishment for survival. If your body is truly hungry, you do not need an explanation for why you are wanting to eat. Listed are some strategies for better managing the boredom that maybe driving your food cravings:

• 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 – A good night’s sleep is not only crucial to keeping you feeling and looking your best, but it will also help you control mid-afternoon food cravings and pesky urges to snack.
• Be a Mindful Eater – To avoid eating out of boredom, practice mindful eating. Don’t eat distracted and make sure you enjoy every bite. That way you want blackout from eating the whole bag.
• Drink Enough Water – Dehydration leads to less blood circulating throughout your body. So, it is critical to drink enough water every day. Even then, it takes about 20 minutes for what you drink to hydrate your cells.

When you have a plan in place you are less likely to snack…

Whether you are at home or the office, your environment can fuel mindless eating. When boredom sets in, try running errands, visit with a friend, or walk your dog. If you always seem to be overwhelmed and somewhat exhausted, then chances are you feel out of balance and may be trying to multitask. Instead, try concentrating on the task at hand and focusing on the moment. Anytime you have a plan in progress, you are less likely to experience feelings of boredom. When you stay positive, it is easy to remain hopeful and motivated about your future.

At Metabolic Research Center, we teach you how to recognize signs of real hunger by its subtle cues and to be mindful of all your daily hunger patterns. Snacks can play an important role in helping you manage boredom eating.