I have come to realize that a lot of my bad eating habits come simply from boredom. There are a million other things I could do, but when I'm home alone & have nothing I have to do, I go to the kitchen. So the first important thing was to recognize this... now that I recognize this, I have developed a plan.
It's usually on days that Mike's gone that I'll have my boredom binges... so on those days, I have started making myself a to-do list. I love lists, so checking items off the list is always exciting. Tonight he's working late, so I made a list of all the things I needed to do, could do, and would like to do but haven't in awhile. And it's kept me busy. I stopped to have dinner, obviously, but I haven't snacked once.
It's funny, because on my list was to read 10 pages in my Dr. Phil book... 9 pages down, I found this quote:
"You are creating the situations you're in; you're creating the thoughts and emotions that flow from those situations. You must embrace the fact that you own your problems and take action to solve them."
Pretty perfect quote for the situation tonight, I'd say! I made sure to put enough items on my list that I couldn't run out... there are things on there that I will not get done tonight, but that's fine. I'd rather that happen than to check them all off and then mindlessly go to the fridge b/c I was out of tasks.
What are the situations you've created, and what action are you taking to solve them?
7 comments:
I read a study that found that the only three reasons for overeating (if not medical related) are:
1. Habit
2. Boredom
3. Stress
You are not alone eating out of boredom. I think the most important thing you can do is find activities that you enjoy that keep your hands and mind busy. Either writing in a journal or giving yourself a manicure. Anything to break the habit of eating out of boredom.
Its a process and recognizing your reason for overeating is half the battle!!
You can do this!!
thats what I did a lot in college..I was bored so I would eat, or a friend and I would be bored, so we'd go get some food or have a drink. I think its great that you are realizing that and can find things to do to replace that.
It's important to find out why we are snacking so much. You are headed in the right direction on knowing how and why. Now we have to figure out what to do about it. That's exactly where I'm at too. :)
This is good stuff! I shall apply this as well. I too eat when I've got nothing else to do. Nothing to do with being hungry or not.
You're on the right path girl!
I eat when I watch TV, almost always. So far I haven't managed to stop that, but I have replaced my usual snacks with healthy food or water or tea, which is a step in the right direction I suppose.
It takes a lot for people to actually realize how far their accountability really has to go. When you realize how huge it really is, it empowers you to be the ultimate gatekeeper of excuses and you can spot them a mile away.
Hey, thanks for the comment on my blog! Yours rocks!
That is so true for me too - I eat when I'm emotional and when I'm bored. That's a great idea to make a "to do" list! :)
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