We’ve all eaten too much at one time or another. But while some people only tend to overeat at parties, there are those who have made it a habit. Their reasons for overeating range from boredom to stress. These people often don’t realize that they’re gaining weight.
One day, they’re just shocked by the fact that they’ve gained many pounds due to their mindless overeating.
Before that happens, it’s best for you to control your urge to binge mindlessly. Here are some simple moves you can make to complement your willpower:
1. Don’t get tempted by food advertisements.
Even when you aren’t hungry, it’s easy to get tricked into buying food that’s being promoted
in billboards, TV ads and magazines. Each time you find yourself drooling over print ads
featuring a burger or a steak, you must remind yourself that manufacturers spend millions of
dollars to create a need for what they are selling. You won’t die if you don’t get to eat
whatever is featured in food advertisements.
2. Substitute food with exercise.
Stop yourself each time you think of bingeing when you’re stressed. You should just head for the gym or go for a long walk to get rid of your frustrations.
3. Think of 20 valid reasons.
If you’re having a difficult time reminding yourself that having a whole bucket of fried chicken is a bad idea, stop and start thinking of 20 good reasons why you should indulge yourself. Chances are you won’t be able to come up with enough justifications to back up your desire to eat something that’s not good for you.
4. Savor your meals.
Studies show that people are more likely to eat more than they should when they’re distracted. This is why you should stop eating in front of the TV. Munching on snacks while
working is also not advisable.
5. Drink water.
Whenever you crave for food, drink a glass of water first to make sure that you’re not confusing thirst with hunger.
7. Get rid of your food stash.
Having too much food within reach will only encourage you to keep reaching for something to munch on. Many people don’t stop until they know that there’s nothing left to eat.
8. Do some other tasks after dinner.
To avoid eating more after dinnertime, keep yourself busy with tasks such as reading,
sending emails to your friends and organizing your sock drawer. Your chosen task will help
keep you from thinking about getting a snack after dinner or at midnight.
9. Reward yourself from time to time.
Give in to your food craving occasionally. Depriving yourself of your favorite treats may
cause you to lose control and binge uncontrollably.
10. Brush your teeth.
Each time you think that you still want to eat even after you’ve had a food meal, you should
just brush your teeth. The mint taste of the toothpaste will banish your hunger pangs.
When it comes to developing healthy eating habits, you need all the help you can get to stay on track. You just have to accept the fact that your willpower needs reinforcements when it comes to resisting the temptation to binge.