DISCLAIMER: Please notice that this post is for people, like me, who eats out of boredom not for hunger. I’m not at all supporting the idea of avoid eating. Do not misinterpret this message linked to anorexia or any other eating disorder. If you have not eaten in the last 4 hours, then your body is asking you for food and nutritions. Listen to your body and take healthy measures.  All the information here shared (in the article and the blog in general) and my own does not substitute professional medical advice.

If you’re one of the many people who choose to make their way to the pantry when you’re bored, STOP! There are many other productive things you could be doing that will take your mind off food. Try some of these activities:

1. Plate It

When I want to eat everything in sight, it’s sometimes for a good reason: I’m hungry! If my breakfast, lunch, or dinner doesn’t satisfy me, I inevitably end up aimlessly snacking. Instead, I prepare a snack with a mix of healthy carbs, protein, and fat, and place it on a plate before I eat it. That way, I see how much I am eating instead of mindlessly chomping away.

2. Drink Up

I drink water throughout the day, but I also sip right before and during my meals to help satisfy my hunger. And if I’m feeling extra snacky, I’ll chug 8 to 10 ounces of water and then wait a little while before I decide whether to eat something. Most of the time, water does the trick.

3. Take A Walk

A brisk 10-minute walk around the block with my iPod almost always cures my boredom munchies. Plus, I get a little extra exercise in my day!

4. Phone A Friend

When I’m bored and feel like snacking, I call a friend who I haven’t spoken to in a while and catch up. A good conversation always gets my mind off of food.

5. Paint your Nails

When I can’t seem to keep my hand out of the potato-chip bag, I break out my nail polish and give myself a manicure. My snacking usually stops right there because I don’t want to ruin the fresh coat of polish.

6. Organize Something!

Instead of standing in my kitchen snacking away, I do something more productive with my time: I organize! My bedroom closet, my wallet, the junk drawer in the kitchen–it doesn’t matter, as long as it keeps my hands busy!

7. Chew Gum

I know I’m not hungry if I feel snacky after eating a big meal, so I chew a piece of gum to prevent myself from overeating. Usually my mouth just needs a distraction.

8. Watch a comedy

Take a load off and watch a funny movie. Plus, if you watch something hilarious you may just get an ab work out in!

9. Don’t keep opening and closing the fridge

Don’t tempt yourself!

10. Shower or bathe

Sometimes you just need to take a breather and relax. A nice long bubble bath will usually do the trick…not ice cream.

11. Walk around a mall

Get some cardio in by wandering around your favorite mall. Shop till ya drop, just avoid the food court!

12. Meditate

Clear your mind and cravings by meditating.

13. Go to the book store and browse the travel section

Feed the wanderlust instead.

Other suggested activities

Go to bed / Take a nap
Read a book / Catch up on magazines
Go to the gym
Revise the bucket list
Research what to do instead of eating
Do laundry
Plan next vacation or weekend away
Make love
Make art
Catch up on pending stuff

Sources: 
HuffingtonPost • Lucille Roberts • A Lovely Life, Indeed • Stay Sharp & Be Strong