Snacking out of boredum!

My biggest struggle with dieting is snacking! I will eat three very healthy, calorie-conscious meals and ruin it with excessive snacks. Mainly, it's out of habit because Ive gotten so used to munching on something while watching TV, sitting at the computer, or driving to work. My job is pretty boring and I snack just to pass the time!

I feel that this is a common problem. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to break my habit? What else can I do to occupy my hands/mind instead of loading up on unnecessary calories?

Thanks and GOOD LUCK TO ALL! :)

Snacking isn't a problem per se... it's what you choose to snack on that determines whether or not you gain weight.   If you snack on low-calorie, high-bulk foods such as raw vegetable sticks, cherry tomatoes, air-popped popcorn or berries, for example, you can keep your teeth busy for a long time without expanding your waistline.

Make sure that your 'calorie-conscious meals' are also bulky and satisfying by adding plenty of vegetables and getting a good mix of wholegrains and proteins.  If you're trying to get away with eating too little food or food of poor nutritional value you'll be more likely to need snacks to keep your energy levels going. 

Finally... plan your snacks.  Work out your food day in advance including meals and snacks to hit your calorie target.... Then you can look forward to them as a legitimate part of your weight-loss plan rather than feeling out of control or guilty.

Baby carrots. They're strangely addicting, take forever to chew, and virtually (note: almost) calorie-free. I keep a pack in the fridge in plain sight and grab it when I feel a late night binge coming on.

The only method to non-snacking I've found for me is: do not keep any kind of snack food in the house. Chuck any items for unhealthy snacking in the trash.

I realized that my weight problem began when I started dating this guy who snacked a lot, and always kept snack foods in the house. My mother never allowed things like that when I was growing up, and so when I began to stock my own kitchen, I never bought snack foods. When the BF and I moved in together, he complained that I never bought any good snacks (he likes to graze, rather then eat meals.) So I bought the snacks. But kept eating meals, too - and gained 15 pounds over the course of 1 year.

Chew gum, paint your nails, air-pop popcorn and only pour one cup into your snack bowl, munch on celery. I used to try to keep "healthy" things like pretzels, veggie chips,  etc. on hand. Not healthy at all if you can eat thought the whole package....

yep, there's nothing wrong with snacking.  just try to make healthier decisions on what to snack on.  i try to go for baby carrots, celery, cucumber, salad, or some kind of fresh fruit.  :D

you might be really hungry though.  make sure you are eating enough!

good luck!

I have the same problem, eating has nothing to do with hunger!

I have been doing very well this month by drinking caffeine free tisanes in the evening while watching TV.

They have no calories and keep me hydrated (unlike regular tea which is a diuretic)

I have also read that taking up knitting will keep your hands busy, but it depends on your job if you can get away with that.