10 Ways to Fight Over-Eating 0r Food Addiction

10 Ways to Fight Over-Eating 0r Food Addiction

Over-eating” or “Food addiction” refers to compulsive overeaters who engage in frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating (binge eating). The term binge eating means eating an unhealthy amount of food while feeling that one’s sense of control has been lost

food-addiction-representation
10 ways to control your food cravings

1. Drink Water

Thirst is often confused with hunger or food cravings. If you feel a sudden urge for a specific food, try drinking a large glass of water and wait a few minutes. You may find that the craving fades away, because your body was actually just thirsty.

A glass of water being filled

2. Plan Your Meals

If possible, try to plan your meals for the day or upcoming week.

If you don’t have to think about what to eat at the following meal, you will be less tempted and less likely to experience cravings.

planning-your-meal-to-avoid-food-addiction

3. Avoid Getting Extremely Hungry

Hunger is one of the biggest reasons why we experience cravings.

To avoid getting extremely hungry, it may be a good idea to eat at regular intervals and have healthy snacks close at hand.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Your appetite is largely affected by hormones that fluctuate throughout the day. Sleep deprivation disrupts the fluctuations, and may lead to poor appetite regulation and strong cravings  

women-sleeping-with-eye-blinds-on

 

5. Eat Proper Meals

By being prepared, and avoiding long periods of hunger, you may be able to prevent the craving from showing up at all.

managing-hunger-can-help-to-avoid-food-cravings

6. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating teaches you to distinguish between cravings and actual physical hunger. It helps you choose your response, instead of acting thoughtlessly or impulsively

7. Distance yourself from the Craving-Stay away from people and instances who pull you for unhealthy eating

9. If attending a party/function, try eating a light meal prior so as to avoid unhealthy eating

10. Practice 1 cheat day to avoid long time cravings leading to mood swings, overeating, demotivation, and depression.