Boy, they sure hit me on the head with a nail. Because I used to work the afternoon and was changed to an early morning shift. I found that I was getting very sleepy about 10:00 am even though I ate breakfast at about 7:00-8:00 am depending on when they allowed me to a break time. When this happened I starting sneaking to the vending machine, and grab "something weird" something that not on plan just to stay awake. Drinking coffee doesn't help me much because I am not a real coffee drinker, my coffee is usually lots of cream and sugar with a little bit coffee! I am not working right now but the habit is still there. At least, I recognize and do what I can to stop the urge. I do this by not having "Skittles, potato chips, and cream(for coffee) in the house.
BLUEFAIRYTALE
1/3/2013 5:10:57 PM
Great article! Clean plate syndrome is a tough one, but I think it just helps to be aware of all of these ideas.
BABIRD1
12/13/2012 10:50:53 PM
Oh. I misread the title and thought this was going to tell me how to motivate myself to eat when I am not getting "hungry" signals from my body. I really need THAT article, so if there is one, please Sparkmail me about it.
MIKEJANDZ
12/13/2012 1:03:30 PM
It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one that falls prey to many of the situations mentioned.
After analyzing my snacking patterns, I realized that I'm more likely to eat when I'm tired. So now instead of heading to the kitchen, I take a nap if it's afternoon or go to bed early if it's evening. Anything to stay out of the kitchen.
Yes CEGGLESTO, sometimes the food is just so darn yummy. I was hit by this and two other reasons tonight, huge Italian servings and an over zealous friend who just had to order Tiramisu... there's always tomorrow for a good long walk!
They left out an important one: Because a food is really yummy! Sometimes I want to eat when I'm not hungry because some food is just so good I still want it even though I don't need it for nourishment. How else can we explain eating 3 helpings of a rarely available meal or treat?
Agree with JLP0380. I am the same way. I have days where I push myself to eat. Otherwise, I'd get nothing done. And the not eating has slowed down my metabolism and caused plenty of health problems. Guessing there is always an exception to the rule.
CROWNSOFONE
9/15/2012 1:38:39 PM
I have never been successful at finding someone to walk with, so the big change came for me when I prayed my Rosary while I walked. It was not long before I felt myself being pulled outside and being so happy to walk and talk with my God, and also praying the Rosary. I can't imagine a day without it now.
I had the sleeve done so it's impossible for me to eat out of boredom or whatever other reason. (well I am sure it's possible but I am not a big fan of getting sick)
I do notice once in awhile when I am leaving a social function that I am usually at 3 or 4 times a week that I think of stopping at McDonalds or Taco Bell etc for a late nite snack like I used to. Then I remember oh I can't so I usually stop at a gas station or mini mart and grab a bottle of water for the 40 mile drvie home (Not unusual to do in the Phx metro area)
43 pounds down and only 15 more to my goal of 115. Size 16 (which were TIGHT but I refused to buy a size 18) down to an 8 that are starting to get baggy on me now.
The one common issue missing in this article, is eating when we're actually thirsty. Thirst can sometimes feel like hunger. If I feel ready to hit the frig looking for a snack, I drink a glass of water first. If I do end up snacking, it usually helps me cut down on my porttion as well as makes me aware of what I'm eating.
MOLEMOLEM
9/15/2012 12:20:09 PM
You left out another important reason: Because you're thirsty. When I heard about this (that we sometimes think we're hungry when we are actually thirsty). I started getting a drink when I would feel hungry between meals. I discovered that it is true. So now, if I think I'm hungry, I get a drink, If the drink does not satisfy, I have a snack.
Good tips, but it's also perfectly okay to throw food that is pushed on you to take home in the garbage (gasp!). Hey- if the giver of the food didn't want it around, why do you feel obligated to keep it?
