Though watching television may be a good distraction from pain or offer a needed break between tasks, it doesn’t help at all when it comes to weight loss. In fact, it could even be the culprit causing you to gain those extra pounds.
Television programming entices you to crave high-fat, high-calorie foods, even when you’re not hungry, says Barbara Rolls, PhD, professor of nutrition at Penn State University and author of The Volumetrics Weight Control Plan (Harper Collins, 2000). And just the sedentary act of watching television, instead of doing things like exercising, gardening or even housework, prevents you from burning calories that ordinarily stave off weight. If you eat in front of the TV the problem is even worse. “Being distracted while you eat can lead to overeating, and that’s exactly what happens if you eat while sitting and watching TV,” Rolls says.
Turn off the TV and try these tips for making eating fun.
- Savor the experience of eating. Focus on how yummy the food tastes and pay attention to how much you are eating.
- Put on soft music and relax. Don’t eat fast.
- Make dinner an event. Pull out your good china and serving ware. Light candles. Make your plate pretty; add a garnish.
- Eat with a friend; pack the meal with healthy conversation, not extra calories.
- Buy a new healthy eating cookbook, and treat yourself by preparing a new recipe each week.
