Click here to read our frequently asked Diet and Nutrition questions.
SparkPeople Sponsors help keep the site free!
LADYWORTH
Posts: 21 11/24/09 5:16 A
I agree with those people who craft - I cross stitch in front of the TV and try not to eat while doing it so the fabric doesn't get dirty :) It doesn't work all the time, but it helps.
I find that its easiest not to snack when I'm busy/out of the home in the evenings. But if I'm out too many evenings in a row I get tired and really want a quiet evening in... I just can't win!
current weight: 308.0
321
307.25
293.5
279.75
266
ALLISONAZ
Posts: 32 11/24/09 4:23 A
Knitting! Keeps yours hands busy and time just flies when you knit. Or in general, other crafts. Crafting is a great cure for boredom. If you don't normally craft, start small by like making friendship bracelets and work your way up.
i always want to eat when im hungry...its something that comforts me unfortunately..so instead of depriving myself..ill have something to eat, but not fattening, and if it does so happen to be something unhealthy, i account for it during my day, lets say if i know ill be watching a movie tonite and i want popcorn or chocolate or pop or whatever, ill watch my intake of food the rest of the day and make sure i exercise :)
current weight: 290.0
306
301
296
291
286
MEGANE2007
Posts: 442 11/23/09 9:43 A
I am definitely prone to the late night munchies-when one of my favorite tv shows comes on I feel like I have to have something sweet while I'm watching this. Some days I will factor it in to my food tracker so I know I'm not going over my calorie range for the day. If I've already eaten most of my calories for the day I either chew some gum or make hot chocolate with water-only 80 calories with the packs that I use and it fills me up. Plus since it's hot I have to drink it slow which definitely helps!
At 305 pounds I used boredom as just one more excuse to eat. I avoided it by learning to fill my time with more productive activities. I'd talk on the phone, scrapbook, knit, or sometimes just get out of the house!
It's a hard habit to break but you can do it. I eventually lost 150 pounds and it was the best thing I ever did!
I am reading with interest. I really eat out of boredom :( I tend to eat in front of the puter. I have been trying to just keep busy (not difficult during the holiday season)
current weight: 146.8
150
145.5
141
136.5
132
LADYCARDINAL7
Posts: 24 11/23/09 6:57 A
Try eating fruits and brushing your teeth. Thats what I do.
current weight: 161.4
165
161.25
157.5
153.75
150
SHEDDING123
Posts: 1,385 11/23/09 12:22 A
herbal tea. also, trying to reach for exercise rather than food- pushups etc.
current weight: 146.0
165
157.5
150
142.5
135
LESWHO
SparkPoints: (45,638)
Fitness Minutes: (47,108)
Posts: 3,876 11/22/09 9:30 P
very cool idea
2/28/10 270 3/31/10 260 4/30/10 250
rewards: 2/28/10 spa day 3/31/10 LA trip 4/30/10 HI trip
Pounds lost: 46.0
0
41
82
123
164
MSBEEBLEBROX
SparkPoints: (7,030)
Fitness Minutes: (9,157)
Posts: 239 11/22/09 8:11 P
I drink tea, and brush my teeth. Seems to send the night time cravings far away.
current weight: 146.2
185
173.75
162.5
151.25
140
NIKKIR123
Posts: 362 11/22/09 11:44 A
write in a journal how you are feeling at the time or take up a hobby
Nicole
It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.- Eleanor Roosevelt
Pounds lost: 13.5
0
20
40
60
80
NAINDEJARDIN
Posts: 44 11/22/09 10:53 A
Get a hobby.
current weight: 161.0
167
158.25
149.5
140.75
132
HELLAVAHC
Posts: 302 11/22/09 10:51 A
I've been chewing gum like a crazy woman!
"If you're going to do it, do it right."
All Access 5k 9/20 27:27 Heritage Day 5k 9/26 27:50 Fun Run 5k 11/7 28:20 Half Marathon 11/8/09 2:25 Turkey Trot 5K 11/26/09 25:57 Jingle Bell 5k 12/12/09 28:48 Shamrock 8k 3/8/09 ? Woods 5K 5/8/09 ?
TRESAJANE
Posts: 46 11/22/09 10:43 A
In one of my psych books I read something about how self-control is like a bank in most people, and if you exert so much upon yourself in a certain arena, you mentally can't afford to keep pushing yourself, and you're bound to lose some control in another arena. So on days when I feel like I really want to boredom eat, I let myself get away with doing something else that may be a little unhealthy instead - like sitting on the couch and watching TV for an hour.
Pounds lost: 2.0
0
6.25
12.5
18.75
25
LESWHO
SparkPoints: (45,638)
Fitness Minutes: (47,108)
Posts: 3,876 11/22/09 10:32 A
I only wish I could learn not to eat when I bored. Or upset, under pressure. Food is my friend and drinking is my life
2/28/10 270 3/31/10 260 4/30/10 250
rewards: 2/28/10 spa day 3/31/10 LA trip 4/30/10 HI trip
Pounds lost: 46.0
0
41
82
123
164
KVERBECK
Posts: 239 11/22/09 9:06 A
I snack out of boredom pretty bad at night too! Especially now that the winter months are here and they daylight is gone so early. I like to knit so I think I am going to pick up some yarn and start a project to keep my hands busy!
DALZIEN
Posts: 16 11/20/09 10:47 P
I just find, especially at night, that I am a snacking fiend... I think the more one thinks about it the worse it gets because you're trying to convince yourself that you can't eat it. I will definitely try the gum chewing! Something is definitely better than me sitting here doing nothing!
current weight: 182.0
183
175.25
167.5
159.75
152
MARISSAJOYCE
SparkPoints: (3,918)
Fitness Minutes: (8,520)
Posts: 136 11/20/09 10:26 P
When and if that happens to me, I chew tons of minty gum b/c I hate how food tastes after chewing gum b/c all the minty taste is in my teeth. Silly but it works for me and I have lost 30 lbs...
Pounds lost: 39.4
0
14.75
29.5
44.25
59
UTELYDIA
Posts: 85 11/20/09 10:07 P
We are all very proud of you. Keep up the good work!!!!!
Anchors are very useful devices when we want to remain in one place, but too often we keep our lives anchored to the familiar even when we try to set sail.
current weight: 343.0
350.4
312.8
275.2
237.6
200
BOSTONGIRL75
Posts: 42 11/20/09 10:01 P
I get bored pretty much every day, especially when my kids are at school, and I have tried EVERYTHING to curb the urge to snack. I have cleaned the entire house (outside and in), tried exercising, etc and to no avail. The one thing I have found is listening to my music and reading. If I lose myself in my music and a good book, I find I can ignore the urge to snack out of boredom.
It's hard and may take a few different trial and errors but eventually you will find what works for you.
I'm walking, I'm talking..and I'm not bitching!
Pounds lost: 6.0
0
17
34
51
68
SPARK8PLUG
Posts: 39 11/20/09 9:44 P
I have the same problem and was looking for an answer here! My thing is i don't have any friends to help keep me busy, so i chew sugar free gum, walk, or just get on the internet out here-its dial-up...so it takes ALOT longer than usuaul...so hopefully if you try that, you are very patient, and/or have high-speed internet.
Best of luck to you however and if you find out some other ways to keep from eatting due to boredm, please let me know! -sam
ZORBS13
SparkPoints: (29,899)
Fitness Minutes: (21,310)
Posts: 5,737 11/20/09 9:12 P
Keep busy, don't get bored.
"I think I'll try defying gravity, and you can't pull me down."
I ran a marathon at 16W3D pregnant - what's your excuse?
Baby Cheeto due March 11, 2010.
Agatsu Kettlebell Instructor Can-Fit-Pro Personal Trainer Specialist Can-Fit-Pro Fitness Instructor Specialist Johnny G/Mad Dogg Athletics Spinning instructor www.kettlebellfit.ca
DALZIEN
Posts: 16 11/20/09 9:11 P
Hi there, I was wondering what people do when they know they aren't hungry, but they still want to eat (pretty much eating out of boredom). Or maybe what they do to stop the late night muchies. I know right now I have nothing to do and my brain is telling me I should be snacking...
Baby, it's cold outside--sometimes too cold! Learn which weather conditions every outdoor exerciser should avoid, and the signs that it's time to bring your routine indoors.