Why do I eat when I'm not hungry?
Bored, Stressed, Unhappy or Alone? We've all done that.
Here are 10 solutions:
1. Put your thoughts in a daily journal. Reach for your pen instead of food. Writing in a journal is a way of expressing your feelings. Tell yourself you can change.
You've got no time for negative thoughts!
2. Do you have a routine that is working against you?
At 4:00 do you eat a certain high fat or sugary item while you watch your favorite show every day? Does TV and food go hand and hand. Find a substitute snack and stand up every 10 minutes to stretch. Put weights by the place you usually sit. Reach for your weights instead of food. Make weight training a challenge. Increase your repetitions as you gain strength and muscle. Go Girl! Girls, don't worry! You will never look hulked like a man. Eat your favorite snack but less than your usual amount.Keep your water bottle nearby and wash it down with water instead of juice or soda.
3. Look for a part-time job. Be creative. Look for ways to fill needs of others. Does the coach or teacher at your school need help? It could be helping your parents, a senior, babysitting, tutoring after school, helping with an after school program or running errands.
4. Volunteer at an organization, business, community center,church or after school program. Giving to others has more rewards than you can imagine. It also leads to part-time jobs.
5. Get active and make it a regular routine to walk the neighborhood or dance when you usually reach for food. Turn the music up and jam! Ask someone to join you!
6. Get a hobby. Go online and learn about collecting items that you find interesting. Go on treasure hunt at second hand stores for items with friends. Don't sit for more than an hour. Stand while you search.
Go see what is going on at your local library or government. Plan a trip (use the money you saved from cutting back on fast food and go somewhere fun)
8. Visit a park you have never been to. Find the directions or bus route online. Go on a "Park Rules Trip"
9. Learn a new skill. Learn to speak Spanish with audio tapes. Go ahead join a club at school!
10. Learn how to cook. Make healthy foods and snacks. Make it a routine on Sunday to make small containers or snack bags for "Grab N Go" Volunteer to grocery shop and cook. Your parents will appreciate the extra help (they may appreciate it enough to let you use their car).
