Boredom Eating
Food is linked to emotions and feelings. If you think about it, all your life you can link some kind of food with an emotion. When I feel sad all I want is chocolate but when I miss home all I want to eat is some creamy mashed potatoes.
Whether you are sad, mad, happy or bored there is a food related to that emotion. A lot of overeating of food occurs when you are bored. When you get bored what room do you often wonder to… the kitchen of course. When I am in auto mode and bored I find myself starring into the refrigerator with absolute no hunger but I want something to do.
Here are some ways to prevent the urge to eat when bored. If you get bored try going for a walk, not only are you not overeating but you are engaging in physical activity.
Another idea is to pick up a hobby like sewing, gardening, scrapbooking or cooking (well cooking may cause you to eat but you could cook for others).
Another option is allowing your mouth to actually be busy like chewing gum or drinking a glass of water. The main thing is when you think you are hungry evaluate your hunger and check to see if it is actually boredom.
Published 06/09/10
