Mindless munching
often happens out of boredom or due to stress, but if not controlled, it can become a damaging habit that can add to the waistline and harm the body in several ways. Many of the popular snacks that people consume are full of hidden sugar and calories, and when consumed frequently to satisfy cravings or taste buds, it can increase risk of obesity and metabolic diseases like Type 2 diabetes.
Overeating is one of the reasons that causes weight gain and it naturally causes your body to eat more and more even after a full meal. There are a few tips and tricks that can help you from unnecessary eating!
Don’t skip meals
Never skip the first meal of the day – breakfast. Not just breakfast, but any meal of the day for the matter. It will only make you crave for unhealthy snacks later in the day. Also, when you stay hungry for a longer time, it makes you overeat at the next meal even after you have had your fill.
Hydration
Being thirsty can also be mistaken for hunger. At least 2 litres of water a day is required for the body to perform its functions. It is not just about hydration but the stomach needs water to digest the food consumed and without having enough water, it may take a long time to digest the food. Drink a glass of water before every meal and it also helps in satisfying the craving.
Don’t succumb to cravings
Give time for your cravings to die down. Allow 20 minutes of time before you pick a snack when you are not actually hungry but just bored and want to eat something. If this comfort or celebratory food is still in your head, it means you are actually hungry and can indulge in a snack, but most of the time it is only because you are bored.
Eat slow
It is important to chew your food well before gulping it down or eating fast. Fast eating lets your brain think that you have consumed less food and it sends a signal to the brain to eat more. While fast eating can fill your stomach soon, it does not stop the feeling of hunger. Research shows that it takes about 20 minutes for the brain to realise the food satisfaction signal sent from the stomach and eating slowly with breaks in between gives your stomach enough time to reach the satisfactory level before you overeat.
Use smaller plates
Use small plates and dishes that can only contain a certain amount of food. It is people’s tendency to eat more when using full-sized dinnerware. When using a small plate, it tricks our mind into feeling full and eliminates visual hunger which lets you eat mindlessly.
No distractions while eating
Like any other chore of the day, eating also requires full focus. Disturbances like television, video games, phones, and watching movies while consuming dinner cause mindless eating as these distractions impair cognitive sensibilities and let your mind lose track of food intake.
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
