When we’re bored and are struggling to find ways to occupy our time, our mind always wanders to the things we wish we could do, and the things we most like to do. How to stop boredom eating is a common question we get asked.
It goes without saying that, most of us love a good snack. But when boredom hits, we can often find ourselves eating for something to do, rather than out of necessity.
So, what can you do to avoid this? Below we’ve pulled together a few simple tips on how to stop boredom eating.
Occupy your time – and your mind
As noted above, boredom cravings stem from a lack of having something to do. So, addressing the reason as to why you’re bored is the first step to breaking the boredom snacking cycle.
You can start by creating to-do list of all the things, big or small, you’ve been meaning to get around to. Perhaps it’s a few chores around the house, or a new skill you’ve been trying to learn.
From there, you can schedule your time effectively around appropriate meals, and occupy your mind.
Drink more water
A lot of the time when you think you’re craving food, you’re actually dehydrated.
When you feel a hunger pang coming on, it’s a good idea to first have a glass of water, before reaching for the snack cupboard.
If after 15-30 minutes you still feel hungry, then that’s a good indication that you do need the sustenance you’ve been craving.
Plan ahead – prep your meals
Prepping meals can be a great way to stick to an eating regime, and avoid excess snacking.
By planning your meals ahead for the week, you can set the boundaries for your calory intake each day, which can then allow for certain snacks at allotted points throughout the day.
If you have a set meal plan for the week, you’ll be less inclined to stray for anything which isn’t already on the menu.
Exercise
One contributor to eating out of boredom can be a lack of physical activity.
Going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness exercise such as yoga or meditation, can really help you to avoid unnecessary snacking.
Undertaking some physical movement will help to distract you and keep you mind occupied and give you a good dose of dopamine – taking the edge off of the snacking urge.
Making your go-to boredom snacks healthy
If you’re really struggling to evade snacking altogether, you can at least make the foods of choice as healthy as possible.
Cravings for chocolate can be held at bay with a healthy alternative such as nuts or fruit, and veggies with hummus are a great substitute for simple carbs such as crisps.
And remember: you don’t have to punish yourself for giving in, once in a while. Just be sure to utilise our tips to keep cravings at bay as much as possible.
