So, we’ve already discussed that there many reasons we eat. Most often, it is NOT because we are hungry. It’s because we are at a social outing, we’re nervous, we’re bored, we’re thirsty, we’re lonely, we’re still bored, we’re curious, we want to feel good…the list goes on. So, another version of the “Would I eat an apple?” RULE is the following exercise.
Before you eat something, ask yourself the following 3 questions:
1. Am I hungry? check in. Are you nervously cramming food in the cake hole because you don’t know what to say or do?
2. Is this what I want? or could a glass of water, a distracting activity or a hug do the trick?
3. Is there something else I could eat? like not a bowl of bar nuts, perhaps a well-balanced meal instead.
If you’re craving something salty, could you have edemame or all natural popcorn instead of a plate of chili fries? Maybe you’re just stressed and a yoga class or a brisk walk would get you back to baseline. Figure out ways to manage your emotions that don’t involve chewing. Your thighs (and heart) will thank you!
Dr. Maddy Day 