Are you in control of your appetite?

Most people eat for reasons other than actual hunger.

We eat because we’re depressed.

We eat because we’re bored.

We eat because we’re tired.

On top of the reasons listed above, we will also eat simply because food is being served or is available; and we’ll eat exactly what we’re given whether we want the full amount or not.

In a world where we are all striving to control everything, it’s funny that we don’t control something as simple as our appetites.

Something as basic as eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re full can make a big difference in your energy level, and your physique.

When you eat because you’re depressed, bored or tired, you actually make the situation worse. On top of the initial feeling, now you can add remorse from binge eating. In contrast, if you were to replace that habit with something positive, like exercise or some other activity, you could easily turn a negative into a positive.

Here are a few tips to help you control when, and how much you eat:

• Make a list of things you can do instead of eating when you’re bored, tired or depressed. Some examples are to go outside for a walk, take a bath or do a crossword puzzle.
• When you initially start to feel hungry, drink a sugar-free beverage, such as water or fatfree/lowfat milk. Often times we feel hungry when we’re actually just thirsty.
• Eat slowly. Our bodies don’t realize we’re eating until twenty minutes after we’ve started, and our digestive systems work better when we take our time.
• Watch your sugar and sodium consumption levels. Sweet and savory cravings are habitual.  Just as you learn a habit, you have to unlearn it, too. 

     You've probably heard all of this a million times, but have you ever put it into play? It's not that hard. If you know better, do something.

What goes in your mouth is definitely something you should have control over. Pay attention. Your body will thank you for it.