The topic of boredom eating is always relevant, but is particularly true in the times that we currently find ourselves in. We have all been sprawled on the couch and reached for the snack draw in the coffee table, or opened the fridge doors and gazed into the fridge whilst pondering what sugary treat can be consumed with great haste. But we are really just eating to relieve boredom and to pass the time. This can be seen to have a detrimental effect on your body and mind. Lets face it, it is rare that boredom eating leads us to the fruit bowl or salad compartment in the fridge, and so bad food decisions will be a constant.

Here we will look at a few tips to try and alleviate this ongoing process and break the habit.

Am I hungry

Perhaps you just need a glass of water, for the need for your stomach to feel fuller. Dehydration and thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Do you know what your true hunger is as opposed to eating as a boredom crutch?

Am I bored

Sometimes having downtime is great, there is nothing wrong with catching up on your favourite soap and relaxing. If you feel the need to move, then go for a walk. If boredom is a persistent problem, then take up a new hobby or start on some household projects or chores.

What is in arm's reach

If that coffee table draw contains crisps and chocolates, then crips and chocolate is what you will snack on! Take out the snacks and put on top of the kitchen cupboard, and put the fruit bowl (with fruit in it!!) on the coffee table. We are more likely to feast upon what is in arm's reach than what we have to go searching for. Perhaps you may not feel the need to eat at all, if the healthy option is the only thing easily accessible! Zero calories going in!

Break up the day

If you know there are trigger times throughout the day where boredom sets in or a sugar rush overwhelms you, then look to do something at those trigger times. Get up and leave your desk or armchair and go for a walk or something active. Being restless can often be the clue to expend some energy. A change of environment may do the trick as well, and take away those cravings or false hunger.

Keep Lists

If you like to make lists and more importantly think they can help, then leave a list of the things you can do to help you make a healthier alternative choice. Put one on your fridge, one on your snack draw and pretty much wherever you feel necessary. Read the list before sneaking that mitt into the cookie jar, and hopefully take another option!

Boredom affects us all in different ways, and food and more often than not, the empty calorie kind, is always the go to. But at the end of the day it is a choice, and learning to realise your boredom cues and if you are really hungry or not, will help you keep on track. It is a quick fire way to undo sometimes months, even years of hard work. But let's also not forget that a snack once in a while of the high salt and calorific kind is perfectly fine. The problem arises when it is daily, and much more of a problem if multiple times daily.

If you feel you need some guidance on this matter, then get in touch today.

Ben Beale is a mobile Personal Trainer living In Paulton, who travels out to clients in the surrounding towns and villages, and cities of Bath and Bristol.