Are your eating habits affected by emotional triggers, such as when you are bored or upset, or by irresistible sights, smells and thoughts?

Impulses are thoughts that inspire behaviour. In order to manage your eating behaviour you need to understand the factors that trigger the actions which lead you to eat.

People often turn to food because they are influenced by the environment or a particular situation not because they are hungry. Environmental factors include sights, smells, sounds, advertising and convenience. Ask yourself: Am I buying this raisin toast because I am hungry or because I just cannot resist the smell?

We can also be influenced by social occasions. It is important to limit events that will hinder your weight loss. This does not mean that you must avoid socialising altogether, but rather recreate social occasions to suit you. Meet friends at different times of day or in locations that offer fewer temptations like the beach or a park.

Emotions can also lead you to the fridge. Anger, frustration, boredom, loneliness, guilt and happiness may lead some individuals to overeating.

To overcome eating impulses, remember that most urges do not last longer than 10 – 15 minutes. Keep yourself busy until you no longer feel the need to eat…

WAYS TO REDUCE EATING ON IMPULSE:

• Drink a glass of filtered water
• Go for a short walk around the block
• Play with your pet
• Call a friend
• Do some gardening
• Paint your nails
• Have a bath
• Drink a cup of herbal tea
• Take a few deep breaths and do some gentle stretching

Why not talk to SureSlim about a personalised eating plan that not only speeds up your metabolism but also provides the support you need to stay on track to lose weight?