Eating out of boredom

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OCUMT575
OCUMT575 Posts: 5
edited January 23 in Health and Weight Loss
For a long long time I have known that I eat out of boredom. I eat emotionally, as well, but I have managed to get a much better handle on that.

I find myself eating, though I suppose bingeing is a better term, on a frequent basis lately since work has been slow and I have more spare time on my hands.

Any advice as to what can keep you from eating out of boredom.

I used to run when I was bored but my ankle can't support it anymore.

Replies

  • Annerk1
    Annerk1 Posts: 372 Member
    Instead of eating, make a cup of tea. If you must eat, make it something with no fat and very few calories. Watermelon chunks, green/red peppers, celery, etc.
  • Bekahmardis
    Bekahmardis Posts: 602 Member
    I used to do that. Now I just make sure I'm never bored. I've been told I have far too many hobbies now!
  • palmerar
    palmerar Posts: 489 Member
    Can you walk? Oftentimes I take a walk after I eat lunch at work so I don't impulsively go for dessert. Seems to work and even though I routinely end up with an iced coffee, that's a lot less caloric impact than an oversized brownie or cookie.
  • weinbagel
    weinbagel Posts: 337 Member
    i do the same thing..... :(
  • ScottishMrs
    ScottishMrs Posts: 254 Member
    I have that problem too and I often chew gum to try not to eat. If I can't manage that then I cut up a cucumber into really thin slices and eat them individually in at least 2 bites and chew them thoroughly.
  • rmdaly
    rmdaly Posts: 250 Member
    I often eat out of boredom in the evenings after dinner. I've found that if I just get out of the kitchen, I'm not so inclined. Also, I have started doing a yoga/stretching routine in the evenings which helps. After that I feel good and generally don't feel like eating.
  • stardancer7
    stardancer7 Posts: 276 Member
    Treat the boredom: read, knit, quilt, walk, clean, volunteer, write, take an art class, pottery, stained glass, draw, phone a friend, play board/card games with family or friends, get involved in an adopt a highway program...
  • gr8xpectationz
    gr8xpectationz Posts: 161 Member
    "If hunger is not the problem, then food is not the solution."

    I usually keep a to-do list that I choose from when I'm bored, things like:
    Make dentist appointment.
    Finish reading blood sugar article.
    Make back-up list of all phone numbers in my cell.
    Place Amazon order.

    There are also lots of free books online that you can pull up and read, so you're not clicking around and 'surfing the net', if that's something your job frowns upon. I had a slow week and read Uncle Tom's Cabin...and loved it.

    You can use the time to journal about emotions, or write "This I Believe" statements about politics or social issues or religion or parenting or sports or ethics or whatever is interesting to you.

    Or to challenge your brain or take on a personal challenge: Learn Spanish. Memorize the counties in your state. Write your life's timeline or biography. Makes lists of professional or personal strengths and weaknesses. Do some career planning. Do the daily crossword. etc.

    And my last tip: If you're bored at home, get rid of your TV. I can't tell you how much more interesting and productive my life became when we got rid of cable. I still watch stuff sometimes online or through Netflix, but not zoning out in front of the TV all the time clears my head space for better pursuits.
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