What to Do When You Can't Stop Eating

It can be quite frustrating when you can't stop eating, not to mention it can be hard on your health and on your weight. There are a variety of reasons people can't stop eating including overeating out of boredom, emotional eating, and eating in response to a short term stressful situation. Whatever the underlying causes, there are ways to stop overeating and binge eating. Here are some tips for breaking the cycle of overeating:

Brush your teeth

When you feel the urge to eat come on, head for the bathroom and brush your teeth with peppermint flavored toothpaste. After brushing your mouth will feel so clean and minty, you'll have lost the desire to eat anything. Plus, it's a great way to keep your teeth and gums in tip top shape.

Call a friend

Sometimes you end up overeating and binge eating in response to loneliness and boredom. Break the cycle of isolation by calling a friend for a quick chat. If the conversation is lively enough, you'll often forget that you ever had the urge to eat.

Play with a child or pet

This is another technique to use if you feel like you can't stop eating. Again, this relieves the social isolation that can lead to overeating. Plus, you'll be getting exercise that'll help you burn those excess calories.

Take a long bubble bath

When you feel like you can't stop eating, head for the bathroom and draw a warm, soapy bubble bath. Play some soft music and completely immerse yourself in the experience. When you emerge from your fragrant bath, all thoughts of eating will be gone.

Clean the house

A bit of productive exercise that accomplishes a purpose is an effective means of offsetting the desire to overeat. You'll also burn calories and will have a sense of accomplishment when you complete the task.

Listen to some lively music at high volume

Sometimes the sound of upbeat music played at a good volume, can break your thoughts and desire for food. Even better, get out your dancing shoes and get your body in motion. You'll soon feel revived and the thoughts of food will have vanished.

Have a low calorie, nonalcoholic drink

When you think you can't stop eating, substitute a low calorie drink such as a cup of green tea with no calorie sweetener, a cup of coffee with a touch of low fat milk, or a sugar free hot chocolate. Often, your food cravings will subside once you get liquid into your stomach.

Next time you think you can't stop eating, give some of these tips a try. Pretty soon you'll break that cycle of perpetual hunger.