How to Stop Overeating When You're at Home
How to Avoid Eating Mindlessly When You're Spending Lots of Time at Home
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We're supposed to eat when we're hungry to fuel our bodies, but it doesn't always work that way. Eating out of boredom or to meet an emotional need can result in problematic overeating. "When you find yourself going for a snack, take a moment to reflect on how you're feeling. Are you actually hungry, or are you using food to cope with stress, anxiety, or loneliness?" said Kim Valenza, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes educator. Kim suggested replacing food with healthier coping strategies, like meditation or a warm bath.
Rebecca told POPSUGAR about a method to help pay better attention to whether you're hungry or you're really trying to satisfy another need. "I use the HALT method," she said, "when my clients have a food craving, I ask them to evaluate: 'Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired?'" She explained that bringing awareness to the desire to emotionally eat is the first step in preventing overeating.