Stop Mindless Eating

Learn more about "mindless" eating, and ways to help minimize it.

We've all been there at one time or another. Sitting in front of the tv, at work, or at a party munching on snacks and before you know it...BAM! You've consumed enough calories for an entire meal (or two). It's one of the most annoying things to deal with when trying to lose weight.

I used to struggle with emotional/mindless eating all the time. Once I started, it would be so hard to stop. Then afterwards, I would feel so guilty that I would restrict myself from food for a while.

Not all of us are "emotional eaters" but we have all snacked a little too much from time to time. I ended up getting help through counseling and talking to others about eating disorders. Even though my story may be far different than those looking for a few tips to help from snacking too much. I hope these ideas will help anyone on their journey to a healthier lifestyle.

• When eating a meal, sit down at a table and enjoy it. Try to avoid distractions like TV.
• Slow down, chew your food fully, savor everything about the it. The taste, seasonings, texture, and temperature.
• Try pausing in the middle of your meal for a couple minutes to let food settle.
• Go out for a walk. Removing yourself from the surrounding temptation will help to keep you from munching.
• Remove tempting foods from your home. If there are foods you know you can't say no to (chocolate, chips, cookies), then don't have them around.
• HALT! Before you take that first bite, remember the term H.A.L.T. Are you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired? What is really going on? Are you really hungry, or reaching out to food as a coping mechanism? (more on sparkpeople.com).
• Plan what you are going to eat. Planning out your meals, is the best way to keep yourself safe from the urge to overeat. There is less of a chance you will come home from work and grab the first thing you see, when you have a crockpot ready with dinner.