How to Control Overeating?

Overeating is a common issue. Nobody does it consciously. The availability of delicious and varied food just makes us foodies. Many times I have taken pledges, made promises, and even sworn that I will not eat anything beyond what I have decided. But the very sight of roasted nuts, ice cream, chips, and delicious snacks makes me feel like tasting a bit. Once I taste it, I decide to make my pledge valid from the next day onwards. This tendency to procrastinate became the biggest threat to my weak resolve. I struggled continuously between a strong pledge and a weak mind. Later, when I associated with a very strong-minded person, I learned how to control overeating. Here, I share the tips:-

1.Find Support: It's helpful to have a group or a couple of strong-minded friends with the same goals.

2. Plan Ahead: Decide in the morning which items you would like to avoid consuming. Convince yourself and take it as a challenge for the day.

3. Special Occasions vs. Regular Days: Eat well on special occasions, but be very restricted on regular days.

4.Divert Your Attention: When you find it difficult to resist certain items, make a conscious effort to move to a company of people or divert yourself to other activities with your plate of allowed dishes.

5.Discuss Without Eating: Encounter the situation by discussing the dish without consuming it and encouraging others to eat it. This is a very daring step.

6.Personal Decision: Consciously admit that you do not want to eat that item. It’s your personal decision.

7.Avoid Frequent Eating: Avoid eating in between meals or frequently. Whenever you have the urge to eat, indulge in some interesting activities, drink a glass of water, or take a walk indoors or in your garden.

8. Evaluate Your Day: At the end of the day, evaluate how well you managed to skip your favorite food items. Your sincere effort will definitely motivate you to do even better the next day.

9.Understand Emotional Eating: Recognize if you are eating out of boredom, stress, or other emotions. Try to address the underlying emotional needs without using food.

10.Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by paying full attention to the food you eat, savoring each bite, and eating slowly. This can help you feel more satisfied with less food.

11.Healthy Alternatives: Keep healthy snacks available so that if you do feel the need to eat between meals, you can choose something nutritious.

12.Portion Control: Serve yourself smaller portions and avoid going back for seconds. Using smaller plates can also help.

In conclusion, controlling overeating requires a combination of planning, support, and mindfulness. By implementing these tips and staying committed to your goals, you can develop healthier eating habits and improve your overall well-being. Remember, small, consistent efforts can lead to significant, lasting changes. It’s a real life experience that has been shared.