Chronic Overeating Help?

evilfairies
evilfairies Posts: 98 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I don't have the self-control to open a bag or a box of anything without finishing off the whole thing. I once made an entire meatloaf with the intention of having it for meals for the next several days and ended up eating the whole thing in 1 day.

I've been told to portion things as soon as I buy them or make them, but that doesn't stop me from digging into the next portion as soon as I'm done with first. I am also not good at sitting without eating. Food is almost a necessity for reading, watching television, and other "sitting" activities. I've been a bit more active lately so there haven't been as many hours sitting, but I still need help for when I have some down-time.

I'm looking to cut down on the amount of calories I consume by somehow finding some magic tips to not crave the food, OR to find foods that have ridiculously low calories. (I tried snacking on carrots but that didn't last too long).

I appreciate any tips, thank you :)

Replies

  • candymara
    candymara Posts: 49
    the only tip I can think of is to plaster your fridge and cabinets with messages to yourself- notes or photos. This worked for me years ago when I lived alone but since I have had my son and husband around I don't tend to use this method. I should try it again- since I found it quite effective.

    Somehow that bag of chips doesn't look as tasty when I have to face a photo of my cellulite covered butt in a bikini on the cabinet door just to get to them... Or vice versa- a photo of a sexy hot body that i'm dying to have is just as good at motivating me to keep the cabinet closed.

    Good luck! We're all fighting the same fight. Overeating is what got us all here.
  • royvor
    royvor Posts: 271
    I have this problem to that I want to over eat when I have just got done eating a meal and maybe did not eat mindfully by chewing slowly or I am bored. My tips are do what keeps you occupied and learn to walk away from the kitchen area.
    What I do to keep occupied is leave in my car to do something like shop, or watching youtube videos about weightloss journeys this helps me out so much. Or I lock myself in my room and watch TV shows, or read alot online. Also if you are super hungry and you just had your food you might want to get up and chug water, also tell yourself if you want to dip into another serving tell yourself well I have to do 100 jumping jacks 100 squats then and only then after completing that can I have that second serving this should make you not want to go in for that next serving. Another tip is to close down your kitchen just like a restaurant closes their door put all your plates in the dishwasher and try to stay as far away from the kitchen where temptation looms. Hope this helps.
  • calculustiger
    calculustiger Posts: 39
    A great lower-calorie snack is plain popcorn, but it will only work if you either just eat one microwave bag, or just make one portion (2-3 tbsp kernels).

    I'd say the easiest and most logical option, if feasible, is to just leave the house except for times that you must be there (sleeping, brushing teeth and showering, etc.)
  • justrun52
    justrun52 Posts: 74 Member
    I am the same way with chips, crackers, cookies, cereal, cheese sticks, ice cream, cake, pie, pizza, candy, etc. And I've found the solution: Just. Don't. Buy. Them. Seriously, if you can't have self control with a food item no matter what- then don't even tempt yourself with it. It's amazing how much less you eat when you don't have that stuff in your house. As for meals like the meat loaf- if it's just you, then learn to cook only 1-person portions at a time. Don't make enough to "save" for later or for other meals. I know how hard it is when that leftover lasagna or pasta is in the fridge for "tomorrow's dinner". It never makes it to the next day.
  • evilfairies
    evilfairies Posts: 98 Member
    Somehow that bag of chips doesn't look as tasty when I have to face a photo of my cellulite covered butt in a bikini on the cabinet door just to get to them... Or vice versa- a photo of a sexy hot body that i'm dying to have is just as good at motivating me to keep the cabinet closed.

    This is a great idea, I'm going to start doing this today!
    also tell yourself if you want to dip into another serving tell yourself well I have to do 100 jumping jacks 100 squats then and only then after completing that can I have that second serving this should make you not want to go in for that next serving.

    I never would have thought of this, it's the perfect way to either talk myself out of it, or at least burn calories before I do.
    I am the same way with chips, crackers, cookies, cereal, cheese sticks, ice cream, cake, pie, pizza, candy, etc. And I've found the solution: Just. Don't. Buy. Them. Seriously, if you can't have self control with a food item no matter what- then don't even tempt yourself with it. It's amazing how much less you eat when you don't have that stuff in your house. As for meals like the meat loaf- if it's just you, then learn to cook only 1-person portions at a time. Don't make enough to "save" for later or for other meals. I know how hard it is when that leftover lasagna or pasta is in the fridge for "tomorrow's dinner". It never makes it to the next day.

    You're right, I did stop buying snack foods and that's been the best thing to stop me from binging every day. I will also start making 1-person servings from now on. Now I just need to find the time to cook every night!

    Thank you everyone, this has been very helpful!

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