Type of Overeating

Common Causes

How to Avoid

These Causes

Cravings

Cravings are one of the leading causes of overeating. It’s difficult to ignore them, so you end up giving in.

●      Restrictive diet

●      Cutting out treats

●      Allow a few treats in small portions

●      Eat nutritious foods in a balanced diet

Mindless Eating

Mindless eating refers to the consumption of food without realizing how much you’re eating.

●      Often occurs while you’re watching television or movies

●      Eat dinner at the table before turning on the TV.

●      Trade high-salt, high-fat, high-sugar junk food for healthier options such as fruits and vegetables. You can still snack in front of the TV, but you’re less likely to overeat if the snacks are healthier.

Comfort Food

Do you deal with stress by reaching for a high-calorie comfort food, such as ice cream?

●      Eating to alleviate stress

●      Instead of turning to food during stress, turn to a friend. Talking can actually burn calories and help you lose weight.

●      Go for a walk, read a book, or take a warm bath.

●      Write your feelings in a journal.

●      Exercise.

●      Meditate.

Portion Control

●      Eating out

●      Buying different brands of the same foods that have different portion sizes

●      Not knowing how much a reasonable portion is

●      When eating out, share your meal with a friend or eat half and take half home for another meal.

●      Pay attention to portion recommendations on food labels

●      Research portion sizes for your favorite foods and make notes.

Lack of Healthy Options

●      When you’re hungry, you want something quick, but all you can find is either processed or high-calorie junk food.

●      Plan ahead. Shop with healthy options in mind.

●      Cook extra and freeze leftover portions for quick heat-n-eat meals.

●      Stock your refrigerator and pantry with healthy snacks, like fruit and vegetables.

●      Pre-cut veggies and store in individual portions.