- Share This Post
- submit
- 0
-
Sparkle (0)
Overeating is a problem that many people face every day of their lives. While in the moment, a person will fill a void and feel a sense of satisfaction all the while knowing what a bad idea it is to keep on eating like this. It is a battle fought in the mind during the meal and later can bring on a sense of failure and depression. Are you there? Are you feeling defeated by the desire to eat?
Eating is how we fuel our bodies. It is how we put the nutrients into our systems to help keep us strong and healthy. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way we begin to use food as if it was the cure to our illness; a cure for depression, loneliness, and boredom. We use food to celebration, enjoy the company of others, and sometimes, just because it's there. Most people know that this eating habit is bad and is only causing them harm. They know, otherwise they wouldn't feel bad after the fact. But how do we stop this cycle?
I admit that I have indulged,on several occasions, on my favorite treat...Oreo ookies and milk, Yum! But that was back in the day when my body had rapid response to exercise and I really didn't have an issue with getting in shape. I also didn't have a choice as I was in the Marines and, well, exercise was a part of everyday life. However, when I tried doing the same thing 15 years later and after having had several kids I realized that...oh crap...eating a package of Oreos on a regular basis is not such a good idea anymore. It will be sitting in my belly and on my hips for a long, long time.
There are some simple tricks to help identify the reasons we eat and overeat and also ways to prevent these episodes from recurring and getting ourselves into better eating habits.
Nutrition Journal. I know, to some that sounds like a curse...ugh, "I have to keep a diary of what I eat, no way." Well, yes way!! Keeping a food diary, at least for seven consecutive days, will help you identify exactly what you're eating, when, and maybe even why. It may seem like a lot but we are working towards FIXING a problem right?
Restock your pantry and fridge. That means getting rid of all the junk food and sugary drinks. Those food items that tempt you to have more. The trickster foods that you can't put down after just one serving...yeah, those, get rid of them. Don't finish it off, just get rid of it. You don't need it!
Identify what triggers your eating. Very important here..pay attention! What are you feeling when you feel like eating? Are you stressed, tired, bored, lonely, angry, upset, sad, happy...what is it that gives you permission to eat when you're no longer hungry. What are you telling yourself? Is it "I don't care anymore," or maybe "I'm tired and I deserve this." What negative or maybe positive thoughts are mingling in your head...if any. Sometimes the eating happens so fast we don't even know what happened but something did happen, so let's figure out what that is.Start to address the real issue. After identifying how you feel when you overeat, then it's time to address that issue, but not with food. For example, stress- how about meditation, relaxation techniques, vent on paper-write it down, vent to a friend; tired- go to bed, take a nap, drink water; bored-get busy, go for a walk, start a craft or hobbie; lonely-go
