10 Reasons You Eat When You're Not Actually Hungry

The main reason people eat when they are not really hungry is because they are filling themselves with "healthy" whole grains, specifically wheat, which has addictive opiate-like properties. The more you eat, the more you want. Get off the wheat and use lots of healthy fats and you won't eata unless you are truly hungry.

very good informative ofal.

"Most of us have grew up hearing" on page 3 should be "Most of us have grown up hearing . . ."

I could say 'Yes' to almost all of these. Yikes! Thanks for reminding me to value my body enough to LISTEN to it when it's telling me I'm satisfied. I'll especially be careful about the Clean Plate Syndrome. Had that happen too many times!

You can say "no" once at the grogery store and then you don't have to say "no" multiple times once you bring a food home that you have problems with. It's easier that way on your willpower.

*This hint can help a little. *Drink an 8-oz. glass of room temperature water PRIOR to eating a meal. *The water will fill your stomach enough, hopefully, *AND, hopefully, you will NOT eat as much? *Worth a try!

Not seen, is not eaten, watching TV or reading magazines or internet OR SURFING SPARKSPEOPLE we are exposed to so many food cues via advertising it gets in your subconscious.

Leptin. I was just researching Leptin and how it affects hunger. WebMD article: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/the-fact
s-on-leptin-faq?page=1.
The true culprits are refined sugars and tryglicerides that inhibit our "feeling full" hormones. Interesting article...

The one reason not cited is thirst!!!!

Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Feeling "hungry" have a tall glass (10-12 ounces) of water.

I eat, or nosh, when I'm reading. So I try to keep reading snacks that are actual food that I'm allowed to have, say grapes or Cheerios.

My way of coping with occasional sweet-stuff cravings is to make mini-cake. There are 4" cake pans designed for children's parties, etc. I'll use a recipe for a "mug cake", make one micro-mini cake in the microwave or the toaster oven, and share it with my husband. I got my 'treat' craving satisfied, but then it's all gone. Unlike making a batch of cupcakes, no more of them are hanging around saying "eat me!" My other trick is to go ahead and make the batch of cupcakes or lemon squares, etc., and take the whole thing to a meeting or a guild party. I get one, and everyone else gets the rest.

I'm "responsible", but also human, easier to scold during those times when you do it, but it doesn't last forever! Look at statistics. The "thrill is gone", and then we have to struggle to get that feeling that boring salads are good again.

ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE?

If the food isn't there you can't eat it. Don't let "stuff" into your house to tempt you in the first place. I clean my house (sometimes too much , but that another story) to get rid of germs & surface dirt for health reasons. Clean out your fridge. Clean up your shopping list.

I reconsider what I put into my shopping cart just before checking out. Consider removing ALL items that are self-destructive. Remember, if it isn't there you can't eat it.

It is written "Drink Responsibly" so consider "Shop Responsibly"

I just love to eat! I love the taste of food. Lately I have been making HUGE salads with spinach, celery, radish, cucumbers, onions, etc. It really fills me up and does not have a lot of calories. I'm learning not to want the bagels, breads, pasta, and found that I can eat within reason, but it's still tough sometimes....

Oh boy am I ever a boredom eater!?!?! That has probably been the hardest habit to break!!

But, I DO feel better after eating something, same as any druggee, so, that's why even knowing the reasons and triggers, we over eaters still do it, statistics don't lie. Start a diet, stop a diet, over and over. Healthy food does not satisfy as well is the reason, no satisfaction factor! Some expert needs to admit this!!