How can I avoid binge eating?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Avoid eating in certain locations that can encourage mindless eating, such as:
- in your car
- while walking around the house
- standing up in the kitchen or eating out of the fridge
Avoid eating in certain locations that can encourage mindless eating, such as: in your car while walking around the house standing up in the kitchen or eating out of the fridge Also refrain from eating straight from a bag or carton. Always... More -
Bob Greene of The Best Life answered:On the emotional side, food is soothing and comforting; it helps reduce stress and eases painful feelings, such as loneliness and hurt. When you head to the vending machine to quell the deadline jitters or open a box of cookies in the evenings when you feel lonely, you're trying to help yourself -- a good thing -- but you're using the wrong coping tool.
There is also a slew of hormones, brain chemicals, and other physiological forces behind overeating that scientists are just beginning to sort out. But whether it's physiological or emotional, ultimately your body is asking to be soothed and comforted and to be given some pleasure. You can achieve this without food. Start making a list of all the other things that make you feel good. Going out with friends, calling a friend, reading, and watching movies are all great ways to boost your mood without boosting your calorie and carbohydrate intake. And we know that exercise burns calories and carbohydrates, and boosts mood.
Meanwhile, get the worst food offenders away from you. Purge the house of cookies, chips, and other foods that get you into calorie trouble. To avoid feeling deprived, you might keep one small treat around, and make sure to have it only when you'll enjoy it most -- not in front of the TV, when you're barely paying attention to what you're eating, or when you're running out the door and don't have time to savor it. Don't get into a routine with unhealthy foods. For instance, after a few days of eating chips in the midafternoon, your body will come to expect the treat. So although it might be okay to have those chips, on occasion, don't always have them at the same time. That way, you'll have one less trigger to fight.
On the emotional side, food is soothing and comforting; it helps reduce stress and eases painful feelings, such as loneliness and hurt. When you head to the vending machine to quell the deadline jitters or open a box of cookies in the evenings when... More
