Stay Hydrated to Keep Boredom Eating at Bay

While working on changing your behaviors, make sure healthy options are easily accessible that you don’t have time to create excuses. If you are feeling hungry all of the time, focus on adding good protein and healthy fats when reaching for a snack. Researchers say that you cannot physically shrink the size of your stomach, you can become accustomed to feeling fuller with a smaller intake of food.

Attention span is closely linked to boredom or being stuck in a repetitive or monotonous situation. So, people can convince themself that their body needs food when they’re really bored. If you find yourself reaching for a snack, choose high-energy, minimally-processed, low-carb options that will satiate you, like nuts, raw veggies, or a hard-boiled egg.

Stop struggling with food urges... try these proven options

When you are not giving your attention to what you are doing, you are much more likely to feel bored and opt for boredom eating. However, if you are fighting the urge to snack when you are bored, try these proven strategies that support healthy living:

• Make Sure You’re Hydrated – To avoid any signs of dehydration, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Unfortunately, most of us are not drinking enough of the right fluids and boredom eating can be triggered by thirst rather than true hunger.
• Do Something Fun – Make a mixed-task to-do list that is filled with productive and fun things. When you recognize a food craving, do the next thing on your list.
• 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.
• Add a Protein Snack – If you find yourself craving food between meals, you may not be consuming the right kinds of food at meal time. High fiber foods combined with lean proteins will keep you full longer than foods with empty calories.

Be mindful of the processed foods you are consuming…

The next time you find yourself craving a sweet treat, a piece of chocolate, a salty bag of chips, or anything that can pack on the pounds, realize that you have options and be creative in the substitutions you afford yourself. It is important that you do not confuse relaxation with boredom.

Once you are an adult your stomach pretty much remains the same size but eating more food can reset your appetite hormones. 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.

At MRC, we understand you may not be able to control when you feel bored or excited by a situation, but you can control your reaction to it. Let the creativity that boredom naturally triggers work in you favor. This includes identifying non-food distractions.