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Any tips to stop mindless snacking?
Started
by operakitti
on February 23, 2012
I have a big problem with snacking for reasons other than hunger. Usually because I'm bored or something. Any tips?
I find boredom is an emotionally generated issue of not feeling "satisfied". Some kind of creative impulse is not being met and sated, so therefore snacking seems like a quick fix, except it doesn't generally last beyond the moment on the tongue. When I find myself in this fix, I think "wait, what is it I really want, what am I really asking/searching for..." This way I can stop and truly check-in with myself. I then adjust accordingly. Maybe I need sometime outside, or a cup of tea with a friend, a creative project, a bath with bubbles. Possibly I am angry or frustrated, hurt or greiving and am not connected. Snacking can be a diversion from listening to myself; mindless snacking can be akin to mindless chatter.
And when it comes to a compulsion, habit or oral fixation, I nuts as it gives a quick protein fix, also gum is good if it works for you.
I do the same thing, which is the biggest reason for my excess weight. I am pretty slender though and still growing. The best thing I can tell you, know the difference between eating beacause of boredom and eating when you are actually hungry. Eat plenty at actual designated meal times to decrease the urge to snack when you feel bored or unsatisfied (as the other person said.) I don't like to chew gum it hurts my jaws and I have braces so it only makes it worse. If I feel the need to eat for no reason I sometimes drink tea insead or eat something light. Its natural to snack when you are bored, it is instinctive. When there is a supply of food you naturally are going to stock up and fill your belly. Animals do it as well as humans, our bodies tell us to stock up when there is food around incase we suffer a shortage. Our bodies want that extra layer of blubber around. Don't feel insupperior, just have self dicipline. These are what helps me, I hope I have helped you as well!
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