Beware. Distracted Snacking Adds Sneaky Calories

Are you snacking while reading this blog? You may be adding sneaky calories to your daily total – and your waistline.

A New York Times article states that distracted eating – eating while on the computer, reading, texting, or any other activity:

• May lead to the inadvertent consumption of far more calories than one intended. [You can read the full article here.]
• What’s more, eating while distracted means we get hungrier much faster than if we paid attention.

Memory and food regulation go hand in hand. When you’re busy reading, you’re not focused on retaining memories of your intake, and your body signals hunger responses much faster.

For those who struggle with their eating, such as emotional overeaters:

• Staying aware while snacking could make a big difference on their health.
• Mindfulness is a way of addressing distracted eating by teaching individuals to be present in the here and now.

So, in short, save the snacks for later - after you’re done catching up with your favorite blogs.

Do you snack while reading or on the computer? Tell us about it in the comment section below.

Sometimes, eating may be used as a coping strategy for those who are living with depression, grief, and anxiety. Distracted eating can lead to feeling out of control, but learning mindfulness may help to reduce those feelings. Contact us today at (516) 221-9494 for more information.