Have you ever found yourself opening the refrigerator and suddenly wondering why you are looking for something to eat? There are a couple of things that might be happening snacking may have simply become a habit or you might be bored. Studies show that that there are two kinds of hunger. True hunger comes on gradually and your body gives you cues to stop eating when you are no longer hungry.
Emotional eating, or eating out of habit is a learned behaviour. Your body isn’t giving you a cue of hunger. In fact, you may have lost that cue and replaced it with habits. If you find yourself in this category here are some tips to get you back on track.
Here are some tips that can get you back on track. Put a sign on the refrigerator that says “Are you hungry and is it healthy?”
When you go to grab a snack set a timer for 20 minutes to determine if you are really hungry. If after 20 minutes you decide you need something, choose ½ of what would normally have taken.
Many times when our bodies are needing water, we confuse it needing food. So at the first signs of hunger try a glass of water or a cup of tea. That may be what your body is really telling you.
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Question of
Do you ever eat out of boredom?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Are you often truly hungry?
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Yes
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No
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I used to snack often but not any more. My appetite has changed.
I struggle with this and have for years. Sometimes working from home doesn’t help that issue.
Under doctor’s orders I have to eat less sugar and salt so my blood sugar stays safe and my body can withstand the workload. I have found out that eating out of anxiety is like smoking and drinking alcohol. It can seriously harm me.
I snack way too much than I should … I guess I should try the 20 minute thingy!
Thanks for the tip!