Tips to Stop Overeating

In the United States, overeating is a problem that afflicts many people. Overeating is an easy habit to pick up, and a very difficult one to break. The main way to stop overeating is for a person to be aware that he is overeating, and to consciously exercise self-control. There are a variety of simple tips that can be practically applied to any lifestyle -- while the tips may seem simple, it is not always an easy habit to break.

Eat Slowly

• One large factor in overeating is people eating too much, too fast. It is easy, especially while out socializing or relaxing and watching TV, to continue to eat handful after handful of potato chips. However, it is important to realize that it takes between 12 and 20 minutes for the brain to understand that the stomach is full. A person should concentrate on how fast she is eating, and be sure to sip water in between bites and actively try to slow down.

Choose Satisfying Foods

• There are many foods out there -- snacks and junk food, in particular -- which taste good, have a lot of calories, but do not satisfy the stomach. Thus, a person feels hungrier, quicker, and will then eat more, resulting in overeating. It is important to eat foods that are high in protein and fiber, as they are likely to help a person stay full for longer periods of time. Foods with higher water content also help a person feel satisfied for longer periods of time.

Portion Control

• When a person begins to work on breaking the habit of overeating, conscious portion control is key. It may help a person to grab a smaller plate, so that then, it is physically impossible to take too much food. Also, remember that even overeating healthy foods can lead to weight gain. It is important to exercise portion control whether or not a person is consuming junk food, or healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables.