Eating while watching TV

messiahs

To go off the subject title, I have a very bad problem with eating while watching things or playing games.

It's such a STRONG habit, where I *have* to have something to snack on while watching movies or long video clips online, or even games. Example, there's a new episode of my favorite game coming out today. I have such a STRONG urge to go to the store and buy cookies, ice cream, chips, and pop, so I can "enjoy it" to the fullest. I even have memories of when I was little and watching Lion King, nagging my mom for more licorice because "you can't watch a movie without snacks".

How do I dispel these urges? Should I just get a lot of something healthy, so I can have my snack, but not be going over my limit? (Popcorn? Air-popped popcorn? Strawberries, oats, etc? What comes in a plentiful amount but overall has only a tiny bit of calorie and fat content, honestly? Should I just try to kill off these urges?)

CitizenXVIII

Don't try to dispel the urge, plan for it. Find a snack that works with your goals, and make SURE that you only bring the portion you intend to eat out of the kitchen. Put the rest away before you even sit down.

PinkCupcakes84

I go ahead and eat my snack as usual. I just eat differently. Meaning I'll put one serving of popcorn, chips, or whatever I want in a bowl. I do not eat out the bag because before I know it the whole bag will be gone. I also eat one chip, popcorn, etc at a time instead of shoving it by the handful in my mouth. This has really helped me a lot. If I want more and my calories allow it, I go ahead and get more but same routine. Oh and if I do want more I always wait a few min before getting it. Sometimes we can do without it's just a mind thing.

CindyMarcuzAdams

Chew ice cubes, I am serious. It may not be the greatest for your teeth. But it helps me.

hyg99

I've started creating a big bowl of lovely fruit (strawberries, mango, blueberries, pineapple, grape s etc) putting it on the coffee table for us all to snack on, in order to stop the sugary snacks, on a movie night.
Alternatively another thing we do Saturday afternoon picnic tea, loads of cut veggies, like carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, as well as crackers and cheese, as a treat.

CA_Underdog

If it's about taste, a single soda/beer and half a bag of popcorn is just fine. I often do that when I watch a movie. Your enemy here is having too much--multiple sodas, cookies, ice cream, and chips. If it's about volume, try baby carrots and hummus. Go crazy with the carrots, not the hummus!

Calliope610

This doesn't sound like physical urges or cravings, but rather like a conditioned response (this Pavlov's dog) to watching/playing video/games. It's force of habit, so create another habit, preferrably a non-eating one.

lizziebeth1028

To go off the subject title, I have a very bad problem with eating while watching things or playing games.

It's such a STRONG habit, where I *have* to have something to snack on while watching movies or long video clips online, or even games. Example, there's a new episode of my favorite game coming out today. I have such a STRONG urge to go to the store and buy cookies, ice cream, chips, and pop, so I can "enjoy it" to the fullest. I even have memories of when I was little and watching Lion King, nagging my mom for more licorice because "you can't watch a movie without snacks".

How do I dispel these urges? Should I just get a lot of something healthy, so I can have my snack, but not be going over my limit? (Popcorn? Air-popped popcorn? Strawberries, oats, etc? What comes in a plentiful amount but overall has only a tiny bit of calorie and fat content, honestly? Should I just try to kill off these urges?)

I used to get this urge too! Especially if I was reading a good book. It's gotten much easier through the years. I've to sub out junk food for healthy snacks. Or if I must have chips or ice cream I portion it out so it still fits in my calorie goal.

TeaBea

Eating while watching TV .....is mindless....you're not even enjoying food. Eating in front of the TV is habit.

Do something (anything) with your hands. Cross-stitch, knit, solitaire.....anything.....it sounds silly, but a little distraction goes a long way. I also fill up a large cup with ice water.

I do eat snacks.....planned snacks.....portioned snacks. But mindlessly eating is something I had to get over.

juggernaut1974

In addition to all the above - perhaps if you're finding it difficult to not eat while doing these activities - maybe try a different activity?

Don't have to cut out TV or game playing completely - maybe just every other night instead of every night or only 1 hour a night vs. 2-3 hours a night?

cwolfman13

mindless eating is just a habit you have to break...it will likely be one of many.