Lisa DeFazio Answers Your Questions

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Lisa DeFazio answers questions

Hi Lisa,

I'm 22 years old, and very interested in nutrition! I generally eat very healthy, however I am constantly thinking about food..it's like I never get full! Whether its healthy food or junk food I just eat and cant stop. I can go out, have dinner, come home and search the fridge. I've tried brushing my teeth and chewing gum but I still keep thinking about food and what else I can eat. When I' m busy and out and about it's not as much of a problem, but when I'm studying or just relaxing I just binge and give in to a lot of my cravings. How can I get my mind off food and stop eating when I'm satisfied??

Thank you so much,

Alix

Hi Alix,

You are not alone! Many people eat when they are bored, tired or just relaxing! First, make sure you are eating enough during the day. Are you eating breakfast, lunch and snacks? Are you eating enough calories and carbohydrates (rice, whole grains, oatmeal, etc?) to keep you satisfied and meet your body's required needs? If you are not, maybe your body is telling you that you really are hungry!

If that is not the case, there are steps you can take. 1. Do not keep trigger or binge foods in the house such as chips, cookies, ice cream, etc. I do not buy foods that I know I can't resist. 2. Go to bed! Sometimes you are just tired. When I am tired and it is 8 PM, and I think in need a snack, I just go to sleep early! 3. Munch on a big bowl of microwave low fat popcorn, veggies and fat free dip (carrots, celery, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and fat free ranch dip) or make a big mug of fat free hot chocolate to sip on. Sometimes if you are being too strict with your diet, such as only eating protein and vegetables, and avoiding carbohydrates, it will catch up with you eventually and you will be hungry!

- Lisa De Fazio, MS, RD

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