Idle Hands are the Devil's Playground

Do you find yourself thinking about food when you get bored?  Do you get up from watching your favorite TV show during the commercial and grab a bag of chips to munch on until it's over?  Do you find yourself opening and closing the cupboards and the refrigerator, searching for food, all because you are bored out of your mind?

Here are some tips to help with the food cravings and help you lose weight:

• Use activity in place of eating.  Go for a walk, go to the gym, clean your house, do laundry, turn on some music and reorganize your closet, run, jog, go swimming, go to the batting cages, ride a bike, anything but just keep moving for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Love eating while you watch TV?  Take up needle point, knitting or crocheting.  Your hands will be to busy to snack and you can make great gifts for your friends and family.
• Relax. Stress can lead to overeating.  If you find yourself stress eating, learn how to relax. By simply relaxing you can alleviate the cravings.  Take a bubble bath, sit back in a comfy chair and read a book, lay down on the couch and listen to some music, whatever it takes for you to relax!
• Grab a fitness magazine or look at pictures online.  Find pictures of someone that inspires you - an athlete, fitness model, actress, whomever and look at pictures of them.  Remind yourself of your weight loss goals and why it is important to you.
• Drink water.  Water will help make you feel more full and will remind you that you need to stay focused and on track.  Simply doing something healthy will assist in keeping you out of the snacks.
• Chew gum.  Give your mouth something to do. Always keep sugar free gum handy, not only will it fulfill a sweets craving, it keeps your mouth busy and the unhealthier, fattier snacks out of it!
• Brush your teeth.  If you find yourself rummaging through the fridge and it isn't time to eat, go brush your teeth.  No one wants to eat right after they brush their teeth.
• Meditate.  Sit in a comfortable chair and close your eyes.  Relax each part of your body starting at your feet all the way to the top of your head.  Repeat to yourself "I am a thin and healthy person.  I have plenty of energy to do all that I need to do." Repeat this over and over for 5-15 minutes.  Do this as many times a day as it takes to keep those food cravings in check!