Today’s news is filled with stories about obesity rates in America, which, continue to climb in spite of all the attention the problem has received. Much of the problem with obesity is related to what we eat, but how much we eat is also a big concern. Many people have no idea of the correct portion size of any food, so they’re overeating without even knowing it.
5 Reasons Why We Overeat
There are many reasons why we overeat; some of which we may not even recognize. But, before we can conquer our overeating problem, we must recognize it. Here are some of the reasons why we may be overeating.
1. Habit
Once you get into the habit of eating a certain amount of food, or eating at certain times of the day, you’ll often continue to do so whether you’re hungry or not.
For instance, if you become accustomed to eating dessert every night after dinner, you may eat it even when you are already stuffed from the meal.
2. Boredom
Many people use overeating as an activity to stave off boredom.
3. Stress
Many people turn to food for comfort.
4. Not recognizing when we’re full
Many people eat until they’re stuffed at every meal. But, it takes our bodies a few minutes to send the signal to our brains that we’re full.
5. Social pressure
Meals are activities in our life. Social gatherings often revolve around food. We meet our friends for dinner and happy hour and celebrate most holidays around a big meal.
If we eat just because the occasion calls for it; we may find ourselves overeating. We may also find ourselves overeating more often at social gatherings than in regular meals at home.
5 Solutions for Overeating
1. Recognize your triggers
If you eat because of stress or boredom, learn to recognize when these feelings are sending you to the kitchen. Then redirect yourself to another activity that will fill your void or calm you down.
2. Learn the signs of hunger
If you can learn to eat only when you’re hungry, and stop eating a few bites before you truly feel full, you’ll be able to really make a difference in your overeating.
3. Get tempting foods out of the house
If there are foods you simply can’t resist overeating; don’t have them around. You can’t eat what’s not there. If you have to go out to the store and buy it, chances are you’ll do without.
4. Plan social events that don’t involve food
Meet your friends for a night at the theatre or a game of tennis rather than for dinner or happy hour.
5. Learn portion sizes
If you know what a portion of each food looks like, you can better control how much you eat, and learn to be satisfied on less food.
Overeating is not always easy to conquer. But, with some attention to the triggers that cause it and some strategies for reducing the amount you eat, you can reduce your portions without feeling deprived.
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