Do you find you’re dealing with mindless eating while you’re stuck at home. Most of us have A LOT going on right now, especially if we’re trying to work, parent, and save our sanity. ??? ?? Our routine is different. Our options for food are different. Everything feels like it’s turned upside down. ?♂️ And, as a result, you may find yourself grazing, mindlessly snacking or even stress eating.
Mindless eating can be common during this time but may leave you feeling guilty or frustrated. Here are a 12 tips you can use to help prevent you from clearing out your stocked pantry while you’re still in quarantine (and experiencing any uncomfortable emotions as a result):
- Know that stress eating may increase-It’s to be expected. You don’t need to fix it or feel like you’re failing. Accept it, and move forward.
- Create a schedule with meals. Instead of just walking in and out of the kitchen, eat as you normally would.
- Manage hunger by eating a source of protein and fat with every source of carb.
- Have intention when you eat. Drop distractions, focus on your meal, chew slowly and completely, and be present in the process.
- Hungry? Serve yourself a portion and put your food away. This helps prevent you from overeating, and gives you an opportunity to pay attention to hunger cues before grabbing more.
- Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your 5 senses while you eat. This also helps make you less likely to over eat.
- Don’t restrict certain foods. Moderation is key!
- Really craving something sweet, or salty, or crunchy, or bubbly? See if you can trade a less quality food for its comparable counterpart. Switch the soda for a bubbly. Opt for Greek yogurt with berries instead of ice cream. Satisfy the craving with something that also makes you feel great. Is that not working? Just eat the ice cream. Enjoy it without judgement and move on.
- Try to pick foods that make you feel your best. Being housebound can have a major impact on anxiety and mood. Eating foods that make you feel lethargic, heavy and bloated can only add insult to injury.
- Feeling bored? Try to opt for something other than eating to help. Move, get some fresh air, or distract yourself with an activity.
- Stop eating shit off your kid’s plate. Wrap up the leftovers or be comfortable tossing them. You deserve more than some cold leftover mac & cheese.
- Find you’re snacking mindlessly? Drop the guilt. So you ate a few cookies, you didn’t create the coronavirus. Give yourself some grace. Beating yourself up will only make you feel more irritable and impatient.
This is a time of transition. Expect that your behaviors will shift and give yourself some grace. Just do your best to navigate each day and make little changes that better work for you.
Attempting to manage mindless eating? Need more help? We are here for you.
