How To Stop Boredom Eating

Bored? Try These Tips To Curb Boredom Eating

Bored? Many of us experience boredom from time to time, especially lately. With a pandemic basically shutting much of the world down, many of us are calling our extra pounds ‘covid weight’ but it’s likely boredom pounds. Today, let’s look at some tips on how to stop boredom eating so we can get back on track with what’s best for bodies AND minds!

Food is not meant to be a reward or to comfort you. It is meant to nourish our bodies and keep us healthy. Somewhere along the way, fresh baked donuts distracted us from the purpose of food and instead of turning to food when we’re hungry, we reach for it when we are stressed, upset, tired or bored. We can, however, retrain our mind to help find other ways to satisfy our emotional cravings. Avoid boredom eating and fill your body with positive fuel instead!

What Is Boredom Eating?

Boredom is an emotion, like stress and anger. Boredom eating is a form of emotional eating and it can turn into a bad habit. Many of us use food as a comfort to deal with certain emotions. Instead of actually addressing the cause, we turn to food. This not only leads to an unhealthy relationship with food, but also causes weight gain and health problems.

I used to be an emotional eater. It wasn’t until I recognized and admitted that, that I was finally able to fix my relationship with food and my body.

Now, I recognize that boredom is a signal that I need to stimulate my mind and body, and not just my belly.

These tips below helped me learn how to stop boredom eating and become more mindful about my body’s real wants and needs.

Something that has really helped me maintain my weight and feel great is intermittent fasting. I usually stop eating around 6:30 p.m. and then break my fast between 10:30-11:30 a.m. I try not to deprive myself of the foods I love, but by keeping my eating to a certain timeframe, I avoid overeating and emotional eating.

10 Tips To Stop Boredom Eating

Ask yourself- are you hungry or bored? This seems like the obvious first step but you’d be surprised how many of us skip this one and head right to the cupboard.

Notice the signs. Whether you have some free time or you’re kind of busy but it’s not really stimulating, you might start thinking of snacks!

Avoid quick snacks. Avoid temptation, especially in the beginning. Don’t keep chips and unhealthy quick snacks around the house or office. That way, when you start to become bored and want to snack, you’ll be forced to do something else.

Get a hobby. Hobbies are great for your mind and body. Find something you enjoy like painting or piano and turn to that the next time you’re bored.

Keep a food journal. Journaling has so many benefits, especially when trying to make some positive life changes. Writing it down helps keep you accountable, set goals and track progress.

Plan ahead. Plan your day ahead of time to help avoid boredom all together. Keeping yourself busy and staying productive will help your body and mind stay active and healthy.

Be mindful. Instead of filling the boredom void with snacks, try sitting and enjoying the moment. We live in a world where we’ve become so busy that if we have a moment to ourselves, we try to fill it… sometimes with food. Check out these mindful live in the moment quotes.

Have a big drink. Instead of reaching for chips, have a big drink of juice or water.

Go for a walk. If you’re feeling bored and snacky, put on your shoes and take a walk. The fresh air and exercise will stimulate your mind and your stomach in a healthy way.

Keep your hands busy. Thinking of boredom eating? Try knitting or mindful colouring to keep your hands busy, instead of eating!

Focus on intuitive eating. Pay attention to what your body really wants and needs. Before you grab a snack, ask yourself if you are actually hungry or if there’s something else you need. Mindful eating isn’t about denying your body. It’s about providing your body with what it needs to be at its best.

Prepare healthy snacks. If you must snack, have plenty of healthy snacks available if you’re going to boredom eat. Prepare fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, instead of chocolate and chips.

Putting An End To Boredom Eating

I hope these tips have helped you better understand your body and how to stop boredom eating. Once you become more mindful and pay attention to your body’s signals, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier life.