3 Ways to Put an End to Mindless Eating

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Switch It Up
"Spend a week eating with your nondominant hand. It'll feel awkward, but that means your mind is engaged, so you're more aware of what you're putting in your body."
—Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic and author of Eating Mindfully

3 Ways to Put an End to Mindless Eating

Photo: Thinkstock


Take the Tofu Test
"As you grab a snack, ask yourself: Would I be hungry enough to eat this if it were a block of raw tofu? If the answer is no, you're probably just eating out of boredom. Go for a walk instead!"
—Kelly McGonigal, PhD, psychologist at Stanford University

3 ways to put an end to mindless eating

Photo: Thinkstock


Booby-Trap Temptation
"Seal an ice cream carton with rubber bands, or staple the bag of potato chips shut. You'll be less likely to indulge when it requires work."
—Deborah Beck Busis, diet program coordinator for the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Next: A smart (and easy!) way to curb emotional eating

From the December 2012 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.