Top 10 Reasons:
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In direct response to the deprivation associated with dieting: That which you resist persists.
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To dissociate from unwanted feelings like restlessness or anxiety.
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As a “reward”.
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Portion distortion: We’ve become conditioned to larger-than-adequate serving sizes.
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Mindless eating: Eating when distracted or while engaged in other behavior, such as watching television.
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Social factors: Eating food just because it looks good—simply because others are indulging, or when the clock strikes noon even though you’re not hungry.
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Learned behaviors, such as cleaning your plate.
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For comfort.
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Eating too quickly to know when you are satiated.
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Eating fake foods that leave you wanting more.
How Can We Overcome the Habit of Overeating?
Stop dieting. Eat real foods with healthy fats that satisfy rather than leave you searching for more. Dine—slowly and mindfully—instead of simply eating. Don’t lower the boom (read: diet), but raise the bar: Choose only the best foods offered and dismiss mediocre stand-ins.
Tune in: Know when you are physically hungry and when you are not. Eat in tandem with your internal clock.
Remember, you will not find the emotional soothing you need in the refrigerator or pantry, so close the door, take a deep breath, and deal with your issues head on.
Last but not least, remember that the food that is here today will be here tomorrow; it’s not leaving the planet. So eat what you like, in moderation, for a happier, healthier you.
