Simple Haxx to Avoid Overeating
As someone who eats, I have plenty of experience regarding the topic of eating (and overeating). Going to the gym brings along a skewed perception that we are living a healthy life. But deep down, we all know that we have an eating disorder (and body dysmorphia… and caffeine addiction… and no social life (this was personal)).
Eating disorder brings along several instances of overeating and undereating. Former is of interest here. Without further ado (damn , let me share a few things that I have learned in my journey of weight loss (not fat loss because I realised I have also lost a lot of muscle in the process too)
#1 Eat Socially
This is by far the most effective mindset that I have adopted. How did I get the idea? Well, after watching a random YouTube video on table etiquettes by an Englishman, I realised eating is more of a tradition around the world rather than something you do while in solitude.
Eat with your family, friends, colleagues and you’ll soon realise you feel happier doing so.
Eating alone may feel odd if you think of it as a dopamine inducing activity or rather a way of instant gratification.
Sure, you don’t want to feel hungry. But, ask yourself: are you really hungry or… thirsty?
#2 Drink Water First
It may sound weird but I have read somewhere that our brain cannot distinguish between hunger and thirst many times.
It’s like whenever we feel hungry, we may actually be thirsty instead. So, next time, go for a glass of water or two.
Still hungry? Go and eat.
#3 Ask Yourself: Are Your Really Hungry or Rather Bored?
This question really boggles my mind. Like, we have a habit of watching something while eating, right? (don’t lie to me, I know you do) Be it YouTube or Netflix, we multi-task because eating is boring and we stack it with something we find amusing.
AND WAIT, THIS IS THE BEST PART: To not feel guilty by simple watching Netflix, we trick our mind into believing that watching while eating is not us wasting time. We are rather being “productive” by multi-tasking.
But seriously, embrace the boredom by eating in silence (if you cannot eat socially).
#4 Eat Slowly
Again, the best way to go about it is to actually set a timer while eating and make sure you take anywhere between 10–20 mins. Anything <10 mins and you’ll feel hungry after a while. Here, #3 comes into play. Bore yourself by eating slowly.
#5 Cook Your Own Food and Eat
Again, to reduce the guilt of overeating, don’t eat outside often. Heck, cook your own food and eat. Give your mum (or dad) a break. This way, you’ll feel grateful and respect the food as well.
If there was a TLDR for the post, this is it: Cook, set a timer, eat with someone and eat slowly.
