Take a Power Nap to Avoid Boredom Eating

When you are bored, it is easy to find yourself in the kitchen cupboard or refrigerator. Although it may seem like the thing to do, mindless eating provides little reward and may leave you feeling less satisfied after a misplaced snack. It is not unusual to reach for a treat when there is nothing else to do.

Even though you are not actually hungry, boredom eating from time to time can be normal… but learn to recognize it and sip on a protein drink or snack on some fresh berries or nuts. Recognizing the difference between true hunger, like stomach growling when your stomach is hollow, and boredom that can lead to mindless eating, is crucial for eliminating unnecessary energy intake.

Don’t let boredom control your mindset…

Sometimes, if you are feeling the urge to eat even when you are not hungry, a simple distraction is what you need. Try one of the tips listed below to stop eating out of boredom:

• 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.
• 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.
• Hydrate Your Body – Drinking water help take up space in your stomach, which will keep you feeling full longer. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water whenever your brain suggests it is time to eat.
• Healthy Snacks – Snack planning is an essential component of good food awareness, and when accounted for, allow you to stay in full control of food choices for managing your appetite.

Experience the food you eat without obsessing…

Staying busy and approaching your day with some purpose will help keep boredom at bay. It is better to choose strategies to distract yourself from the munchies. Nonetheless, a proven way to better manage boredom eating is make sure you keep healthy foods and snacks in your refrigerator and pantry.

Adopt a habit of grocery shopping from a list and prioritize the purchase of healthier foods, such as proteins, veggies, nuts, and seeds. Mindful eating allows you to experience the food you eat without obsessing over whether or not a food craving is real. Just focus on the sensation of chewing, tasting, and swallowing before you eat more.

When you change how you approach boredom eating, there is no limit to the long-term health affect. At MRC, we show you how interrupting bad eating habits allow you to become the best version of you. Call today for personalized assistance.