Boredom eating is a form of emotional eating that functions much the same way as eating when you are stressed, anger, or anxious. You turn to food because it makes you feel good, so it is your responsibility to pick good foods. If you feel bored and eat to escape self-awareness of negative feelings, it most likely will result in poor food choices.
Perceiving healthy foods to be exciting snacks can temper the ill effects of boredom eating. To minimize the harmful effects of eating due to boredom, avoid snacking on baked goods, sweet treats, and sugary drinks. Your body digests these foods quickly and signal your brain that you are hungry again.
Eating out of boredom can cause unintentional weight gain…
Snacking happens and not necessarily when you are hungry. To manage boredom eating, be aware of how often you snack and make healthier choices to make it a satisfying experience:
- Fresh Veggie Snacks – Keeping cut vegetables in the refrigerator can help you manage boredom eating. Although you may not really be hungry, you might as well eat something that compliments your daily food intake.
- Plain Popcorn Snacks – Avoid adding butter and salt to make popcorn the ultimate high-volume snack. There are plenty of brands that offer pre-packaged popcorn that is ready to eat and lower in calories.
- Eat Mindfully – Mindful eating is a form of meditation that can help you cope with negative emotions and physical sensations like boredom eating. Try to eat slowly and savor every bite.
- Healthy Fruit Snacks – Food studies suggest that grapefruit contains a compound called naringin that may reduce blood sugar levels to promote healthy weight loss. Like watermelon, grapefruit is more than 90% water, which aids in staying hydrated.
How to prevent boredom eating when you are not hungry…
Stressors pile up during the day and before you know it you are craving a snack or treat. At that time, try drinking a glass of water or take a short walk followed by a cup of your favorite tea. Although boredom is not an official emotional, boredom eating often functions in the same way as eating when stressed or anxious.
Since food tends to make us feel good, it easy to turn to mindless eating when you are bored. Boredom eating on occasion can be completely normal and nothing to worry about. However, it may become frustrating when you engage in mindless eating every day, which can lead to negative health outcomes.
At Metabolic Research Center, our weight loss specialists will show you how it is easier today than ever before to find healthy foods and snacks in your local grocery store. But, knowing where to find these delicious foods is just one part of the equation.
