Bored eating HELP

Maybe you could go for a walk outside, if weather permits. Perhaps doing a crossword puzzle, or something that keeps your hands occupied.:flowerforyou:

Drink lots of water, and sugar free/calorie free pops. But if you can manage to distract yourself for 15 min, the craving shall pass. Good luck and don't get discourage.

When I am at home, I have to walk through my centrally located kitchen constantly, I portion out snacks I can have (almonds, apples, etc) and get anything else easy and tempting out of the kitchen if possible. I make as many roadblocks for myself as I can, so eating is not convenient. Also, find something to occupy your hands or distract yourself if you must remain where there is food. I notice I want to eat while I watch TV unless I have something for my hands to do instead. It also helps to change venue- go out of the office and walk around- go outdoors and lap the block. Go into another room and clean something. Brush your teeth, including flossing. You will be less likely to want a brownie after that.

Time to check out the No S Diet (in addition to MFP, though) and put some boundaries on yourself. No Snacking!! Find something else to do with yourself. Drop and do some (granny) pushups.

Lately, if I feel like eating I either go for a walk, or clean something. Makes me feel good to not only be getting healthier physically, but I'm throwing out junk and clearing out old stuff.

I drink water and browse the MFP forums. Go to the success forums and find someone with a similar goal who made it and then find another until you no longer want to give in to mindless eating that could lead to a binge or completely throw off your day calorie-wise.

ETA; I also drink tea to curb cravings.

good evening,
I know how you feel I do excactly that too I have started keeping my food diary on paper as well as this great site/app I find that you need to identify the times that you are snacking/eating etc then try to do a hobby or generally keep busy.

I took up knitting to help keep my hands busy ( not that i am any good lol) also prepare lots of healthy snacks put them into small containers so if you do have the urge to snack, then eat them instead.

preparation is the key ( which i lack ) plus it doesn't help in you not got the support of your family/friends etc its so difficult especially if your friends/family invite you out for dinner or pop round with your fav bar of chocolate etc

willpower is the key but sadly i lack this, I have recently started going to the gym and took up swimming in the evenings to help combat the bored snacking etc.

I was also told that if you tell yourself everyday and every time that you look in the mirror that you are a good person and you will combat your fears and weight issues etc then you start to believe in them, then that way you are less likely to sabotage your good work so far.

i hope this helps?



s xx

Everyone is going to suggest things for you to do. That all sounds great. The only thing that will help you get over this is to get over it. You are going to get bored at times and think about food no matter how much you don't want to. It's part of why we so many obese people. You will just have to learn to deal with it. Either make decision to eat something nutrient dense when you do eat out of being bored, or drink water at those times, or don't eat.

^^This.

While the suggestions being made on this thread are good strategies for eliminating *boredom*... I'd like to point out that boredom isn't actually the problem. Thus, these suggestions won't work in the long run.

This is because once the boredom is eliminated...the OP will just find another reason to eat.

And *that* is because emotional overeaters have spent years being reactionary and submissive to every "feeling" that courses through one's body. The reaction to strong feelings (of which boredom is one) is to eat. The submission is to the craving. It's an endless cycle of emotion - reaction - submission. This cycle must be broken.

The solution to bored (or sad, or angry, or happy, or xyz) eating is to finally learn to deal with your emotions in a healthy way. To stop abusing your body with food (in the false name of "comforting" oneself) every time you feel something uncomfortable. This takes hard work and self-awareness. There are many great books and resources out there that have lots of good programs for getting free from emotional eating. I'd suggest doing a google search and finding some and then working on your INNER world, as opposed to your outer.

Just two cents from a recovering compulsive, emotional overeater who has learned to manage her feelings and lose 70 lbs. Thanks!

I have a problem with bored/replacement eating since I've quit smoking recently. I find that going for a short, brisk walk curbs the cravings, as well as always having a 100oz. thirst buster full of ice water.

good evening,
I know how you feel I do excactly that too I have started keeping my food diary on paper as well as this great site/app I find that you need to identify the times that you are snacking/eating etc then try to do a hobby or generally keep busy.

I took up knitting to help keep my hands busy ( not that i am any good lol) also prepare lots of healthy snacks put them into small containers so if you do have the urge to snack, then eat them instead.

preparation is the key ( which i lack ) plus it doesn't help in you not got the support of your family/friends etc its so difficult especially if your friends/family invite you out for dinner or pop round with your fav bar of chocolate etc

willpower is the key but sadly i lack this, I have recently started going to the gym and took up swimming in the evenings to help combat the bored snacking etc.

I was also told that if you tell yourself everyday and every time that you look in the mirror that you are a good person and you will combat your fears and weight issues etc then you start to believe in them, then that way you are less likely to sabotage your good work so far.

i hope this helps?



s xx

This!^

Preparation is key. When do you eat because you are bored? Figure this out, not just for now...but for your future too.

If mindless eating happens in front of the TV .............sit down to watch your favorite program with a plate full of celery sticks, or grab a tablet & play something mindless during the program. I can play solitaire & watch (and/or listen) to TV .....I totally ignore all the the food commercials (win/win).

Deck of cards workout is great for commercials..... Hearts = cardio, Diamonds = upper, Spades = lower, Clubs = abs. Play: draw the 8 of hearts - do 8 jumping jacks, draw 10 of diamonds do 10 push ups .... etc.

I have been a compulsive over eater since I was a teenager, so i agree with you. It's absolutely in the mind.
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quote]

Everyone is going to suggest things for you to do. That all sounds great. The only thing that will help you get over this is to get over it. You are going to get bored at times and think about food no matter how much you don't want to. It's part of why we so many obese people. You will just have to learn to deal with it. Either make decision to eat something nutrient dense when you do eat out of being bored, or drink water at those times, or don't eat.

^^This.

While the suggestions being made on this thread are good strategies for eliminating *boredom*... I'd like to point out that boredom isn't actually the problem. Thus, these suggestions won't work in the long run.

This is because once the boredom is eliminated...the OP will just find another reason to eat.

And *that* is because emotional overeaters have spent years being reactionary and submissive to every "feeling" that courses through one's body. The reaction to strong feelings (of which boredom is one) is to eat. The submission is to the craving. It's an endless cycle of emotion - reaction - submission. This cycle must be broken.

The solution to bored (or sad, or angry, or happy, or xyz) eating is to finally learn to deal with your emotions in a healthy way. To stop abusing your body with food (in the false name of "comforting" oneself) every time you feel something uncomfortable. This takes hard work and self-awareness. There are many great books and resources out there that have lots of good programs for getting free from emotional eating. I'd suggest doing a google search and finding some and then working on your INNER world, as opposed to your outer.

Just two cents from a recovering compulsive, emotional overeater who has learned to manage her feelings and lose 70 lbs. Thanks!
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