Prepare Healthy Snacks Ahead of Time

Whether at work or home, eating serves as a coping mechanism and snacks break up the monotony of your boredom. A snack raises the dopamine level in your brain and temporarily allows you to feel excited again… and again. Unfortunately, emotional eating occurs when people use food as a way to deal with feelings instead of satisfying real hunger.

Studies show that people who are prone to boredom may be more likely to overeat. Since boredom is considered to be inconsequential, the emotion often goes unnoticed, but boredom actually motivates the pursuit of new goals. It is crucial to recognize boredom eating to consciously manage your snacking.

Boredom is one of the triggers for emotional overeating…

When it comes down to boredom eating, one of the most important things you can do is to find a healthier outlet that will help to reset your mind. Listed below are strategies to boost mindfulness:

• Prepare Snacks Ahead of Time – Planning all meals and snacks ahead of time can take the stress out of what you are going to eat and when. This allows you to control portions as well as what you plan to eat.
• Release Excess Energy – If you are preoccupied with thoughts of food because you are bored, then find something to do that will release excess energy, such as a brisk walk around the block.
• Eat without Distractions – Distracted eating occurs anytime something else is occupying your attention while you are consuming food. Pay attention to eating so you know when you are full.
• Connect with Someone – There is no magic food that will cure boredom eating but there are better choices than mindlessly giving in to food cravings. Try connecting with someone via phone, text, or social media.

Practice good habits like mindful eating…

Mindful eating is not easy, and it requires some effort to tune in to your physical hunger rather than eating a meal or snack at any time of the day. Sometimes the strongest food cravings happen when you are not expecting to lose control of your eating habits. The desire for boredom eating can often be tempered by a simple distraction or a few minutes for your mind to reset. Nonetheless, it is an mindful eating is a style that provides tangible benefits to avoid boredom eating. If possible, try to keep eating and your work time separate. Eating at your computer desk or while you’re doing chores can be equally distracting as pigging out in front of the TV.

Always try to take a moment to enjoy any food you decide to eat. At Metabolic Research Center, we deliver health strategies tailored to your body’s specific needs. Personalized actionable solutions that lead to long-term success for your health and wellness.