Is this a case of overeating or binge eating?
Do you have a “healthy eating day” and then start snacking on something you can find in the evening? You’re looking for something sweet or savory to eat after dinner.
Have you been actually trying to diet or just aiming to make healthy food choices?
You’re not alone, to be sure.
Let’s dig a little deeper into this.
I understand that it has a psychological impact on a person because you have been good all day and then you cheat on your good eating habits by eating high-calorie foods. This can be a difficult habit to break, but you must first acknowledge that it is becoming a problem, and then lovingly agree that you can make improvements gradually and without discrimination.
The following are some of the reasons you might be overeating:
- Stress: Many people turn to food for warmth when they are stressed. It’s possible that you’re studying for an exam and you’re just chugging those sugary biscuits, bag of chips, and soft drinks.
- Extreme Dieting: You’re trying to lose weight, so you’re on a strict diet that severely limits a food category.
- Comfort Foods: Maybe it’s that wonderful toast with extra butter, and you think to yourself, “I’m craving something sweet,” so you add jam or marmalade, or just make a PB&J sandwich.
- Sweet tooth: There are days when you want to treat yourself to a dessert, and the dessert tastes so good that one more “won’t hurt.” However, once you recognize what you’re doing, you’ll begin to feel guilty, and it will begin to feel like a bad habit.
- Family lifestyle: You may be great during the day, but when you get home, your family may have a different way of ending the evening, which may or may not include opening a box or jar of biscuits and drinking sweet tea.
How to control over eating?
- Eat a balanced diet that includes all food groups on a daily basis.If you’re craving something sweet, consider putting a few drops of lemon juice on your tongue to help quell your hunger.
- Keep a food log with a daily calorie allowance. Work with your diary to see if you have enough calories left over to enjoy a sweet treat without guilt or shame.
- If sugary foods are an issue, consider snacking on foods that contain natural sweeteners.
- Dates and almonds, for example, make a nutritious snack.
- Remember to eat in moderation because some foods can appear healthy but contain a lot of calories.
- Consume “Carbs” since not all carbs are created equal. If you really must have bread, choose a low-calorie variety.