Snacking itself isn’t bad – but if you are snacking simply because you are stressed, tired, bored, or depressed, it is important to put a stop to it, preferably before you devour that bag of chips! So, before thinking the only way to stave off snacking is by eating something, think again.
Below are 10 unique alternatives to regain control of emotional eating and leave day long nibbling in the dust!
1. Try deep breathing.
This often curbs or stop the desire altogether for stress-based eating. Sit upright with good posture and take slow breaths. Each breath should take five to 10 seconds in and five to 10 seconds out. Do this for five minutes. Not only will you feel much better, but your stress induced craving will vanish.
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2. Chew sugar-free gum.
Gum chewing is actually a simple and cost effective way to avoid unnecessary snacking. A recent Australia-based study showed that chewing gum actually increases alertness and improves performance while multi-tasking!
3. Get enough sleep.
Studies have shown that women who skimp on sleep are actually more prone to overeating. Lack of sleep can also have other adverse health effects including increased rates of diabetes and heart disease. So make sure you get at least 7 and a half hours of sleep every night to stave off sleep induced snacking.