Eating while watching TV

nrsdiane · August 2016

Wondered if anyone has ideas for breaking the habit of eating while watching TV in the evening. My weight loss journey and maintenance once I get there would be so much easier if I could break this habit. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

queenliz99 · August 2016

Knitting! Keep those hands busy. It's hard to put work down or eat something messy when touching yarn.

Bxqtie116 · August 2016

Move often. During commercials, get up and walk in place, do some jumping jacks or some other light cardio. Sip tea or water while watching your shows. Anything to keep you a little distracted helps.

Carriehelene · August 2016

Stop watching TV

NancyYale · August 2016

The answer is simple. Stop doing it. Sometimes things are harder when we tell ourselves "NO!". Try having a dialogue with yourself BEFORE you normally eat in front of the TV. Don't tell yourself what you can't do, but set a plan you WILL do.

Like eating dinner at the table before the TV goes on.

Sometimes what it takes is a change in perception and planning, to make a change in behavior.

JeromeBarry1 · August 2016

That was my nemesis. Even during early months of my journey it remained a binge trigger for me. There's danger ahead if the Cowboys win a couple of football games.

Lounmoun · August 2016

Change your evening habits. Instead of watching tv go for a walk or do something else that you don't associate with food.

RodaRose · August 2016

Eat only in a designated place -- like the kitchen table.
If you cannot do that, then stop watching tv for a few days.

Machka9 · August 2016

Get up and walk around the house at each and every commercial break.
Do your nails while watching TV ... makes eating more difficult.
Do something else while watching TV like designing a web page, or painting, or working out, or cleaning the house, or doing homework.
Take a night class or volunteer one or two evenings a week to get you out of the house and away from the TV.

aliblain · August 2016

Carriehelene wrote: »

Stop watching TV

Actually probably the best suggestion! While the nights are lighter I'm ditching the tv in favour of a walk. If it's on, the 30 day shred is playing

. I do however have a very short term goal in mind that I'm going all out for.

RAinWA · August 2016

Put a great big cat in your lap - can't eat while petting a cat.

jprewitt1 · August 2016

JeromeBarry1 wrote: »

That was my nemesis. Even during early months of my journey it remained a binge trigger for me. There's danger ahead if the Cowboys win a couple of football games.

You won't have to worry about the Cowboys winning anything.

emdeesea · August 2016

I quit watching tv.

But I still do sit around in the evening a bit. Mindless eating is just a habit. You have to figure out how to stop it. Drink a glass of water, have some tea, or save some calories to have some carrot sticks or popcorn.

JenHuedy · August 2016

That's why I only watch TV on my treadmill. Now I can binge Netflix guilt free!

kristen6350 · August 2016

Just make a rule for yourself. No food in front of the tv. Period.

I have lots of rules. No work food. No snacking on the couch unless I've portioned and weighed it.

I know most people will tell you do something, get up, move around. But you really just need to get out of the habit of eating in front of the TV period.

jdhcm2006 · August 2016

I personally save calories for late night snacking while watching tv. Once I've used up the calories I've allotted for that evening, I'm done eating.

lemurcat12 · August 2016

I just don't snack, so that covers mindless eating when watching TV.

I often plan a dessert (could be ice cream, could be fruit and nuts, could be cheese) and may eat that while watching something, although I find it's better to pay attention to it -- I'm more likely to appreciate it and find the calories worth it.

If you really need to munch on something, go with raw vegetables. Or try doing something else with your hands, or focusing on a no cal beverage instead -- I used to make teas and drink them to have something to consume.

If you just break the habit it will be easier, though -- just make up your mind it's not an eating time. Or if you can't currently, change up your activities, as others have said.