In this work from home era, a lot of us find ourselves grazing more than we would anywhere but in our own home.
In the past, I always thought this mindless eating just happened. Furthermore, that it wasn't really a problem because it was just a bite here and there. Then I started writing down everything I ate each day... Even if I were to only grab something every other time I walked in the kitchen, I realized I was eating an entire meal in just handfuls of food here and there.
So first off - let's talk mindless eating. In truth, eating is not mindless... there is no outside force putting the food in our mouths. Instead, somewhere in our brain a decision is made. We have a thought "I'm bored and I don't like it." This causes us to feel an urge. From that urge, we take action - eating the thing. Knowing this chain of events is helpful because it shows us it's our THOUGHTS that create the result of weight gain from grazing, not the circumstance of working from home and food in pantry.
Guess what? This is good news.... why? Because we control our thoughts. As we become more aware that our reality is created by US. Our brains, not circumstances beyond our control, we can begin to making real, lasting change.
So what can you do to overcome the power of the pantry?
Plan ahead, before you're hungry, bored, stressed etc. What are you going to eat that day? Deciding on your meals in advance, from a clean place with help you follow that decision when your feeling the things.
Give yourself some kind, but firm reminders as to what you do and don't eat. For example, post reminders to yourself on your fridge or pantry. Anything to give you pause before reaching for the handful of goldfish (do this from a kind, loving place - as if you're talking to a sweet toddler who you love more than anything).
Be on to your cues. For me, I often used to feel a 3pm slump where I'd go for a snack. A snack I didn't need for physical hunger, it was one part habitual, one part avoiding boredom, stress etc. So instead, I set a plan for myself when that time hit.... I'd move my body, drink a large glass of water or cup of tea, go play with my dog. Anything I could go to that was a true pleasure and gave me a net positive.
When the pantry calls, you don't have to answer. Just because it's there, doesn't mean you have to eat it. Why? Because it's the not the pantry that causing you to eat. It's you. And if you are looking to take control over your health and lose weight, taking your power back from outside circumstances is a great place to start!
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