If you reach for a chocolate bar whenever you’re feeling a little bored or down, you’re not alone. However, that kind of eating is an unhealthy habit. That’s because when you eat in response to your emotions, or because you’re bored, or for any other reason than because you’re hungry—then you’re probably overeating. Today, the weight management experts from Nebraska Weight Management Institute in Lincoln, NE, explain how to get your eating habits back on track through a practice called “mindful eating.”

Mindful eating means observing your eating habits and learning from them. Start paying attention to when you eat and why. These reasons may be physical or they may be emotional. Next, start thinking about how you buy, cook, and eat your food. Do you take time with the meal preparation process, or do you pop something into the microwave and scarf it down? Do you enjoy it? It’s helpful to track these eating habits and feelings in a notebook.

Once you have an accurate idea of your eating habits, it’s time to make a change. If weight management is your goal, then you should stop eating when you’re not hungry. It’s not easy, because a lot of these habits are subconscious. However, over time, you can train yourself not to crave food for emotional reasons. One way to do this is to develop alternative habits to deal with your emotions or boredom. Instead of reaching for a bag of chips when you’re bored, visit a friend or go on a walk. Learn a new hobby, have a cup of tea, or read a book. Do something else you enjoy instead of eating.

Mindful eating doesn’t mean that you should have negative associations with food. Eating the right foods gives you energy, boost your mood, and help you perform better at work or during your workouts. Plus, cooking can be fun, and even nutritious food tastes delicious. Mindful eating encourages you to find ways to make cooking and eating enjoyable for you.

To stay on top of your weight management goals, enlist the help of the professionals from Nebraska Weight Management Institute. Whether you’re looking to lose weight fast or to maintain your current weight, these experts will help you develop a diet plan that works for you. To learn more, call (402) 483-4770 today or visit the website.