The Negative Effects of Eating too Much

You do not have to feel bad because your cravings got the best of you; it happens to the best of us. However, you still need to be made aware of the negative effects of eating too much. You may feel as though one more bite couldn’t hurt you too much, but you would be sorely mistaken. If you consume too much food, your cravings may be appeased, but your body will be picking up the tab.

Weight Gain from Eating Too Much

Obviously, eating too much can cause you to gain weight. When you consume more calories than you use, your body begins to store fat for later. Over time, you could put on tens or even hundreds of pounds if you do not keep track of what you put in your body. Lots of otherwise healthy people find themselves getting fat because they pile their plates too high. In order to keep yourself in the best shape possible, only eat until you are full and then save the rest for later if you don’t want to throw it away.

Feelings of Lethargy

How many times have you eaten a lot of food only to find yourself in need of a nap? Eating too much can actually cause you to feel lazy and lethargic, regardless of the fact that you just consumed a bunch of energy-providing calories. Food is supposed to make you feel energized, not make you feel as though you need to lie down. You will know if you ate too big of a portion if you have an urge to unbutton your pants and take a quick snooze.

Preventable Health Problems

Eating too much can have negative effects on your overall health as well. Forget gaining weight or feeling tired; consuming too much can actually cause you to suffer from a whole series of serious ailments. Those who regularly eat too much often develop diabetes while others deal with high blood pressure, digestive problems, and metabolic issues. If you know that you eat a lot on a routine basis and you begin to see any of these problems pop up, you should speak with your doctor or with a nutritionist right away.

There are a lot of negative health issues associated with eating too much. Munching is one thing, but wrecking your wellbeing is a whole other story. Be smart, be healthy, and eat only until your is body a satisfied.

How to Stop Yourself from Eating Too Much

While it’s no mystery that you should avoid eating too much, these reasons make it all the clearer as to why it should be a priority to avoid doing it on a regular basis. If you’re typically eating decent portion sizes and making smart food choices, the rare feast at a celebration won’t hurt anything in the long term. Sure, you might feel sluggish, overstuffed and uncomfortable, but it is unlikely to impact your ongoing weight control and health.

However, it is important to avoid making a habit of eating too much.  This may sound straightforward, but without the right tips it can be more challenging than it seems.  Fortunately, we’ve created a list of helpful tricks and techniques to get you started on the right foot.

Tips to Stop Overeating

Use these handy tips to build habits that will help you avoid eating too much on most days.

• Be mindful about your food choices. Throughout the average day, choose foods that are nutritious.  It’s usually easier to overeat processed foods and fast food than those that are high in nutrients and fiber but lower in calories.
• Pay attention to portion sizes. This can involve some learning, so take on this trick over time.  As you make your food choices, discover what the appropriate portion size should be based on their macronutrients and calorie content.  Over time you’ll come to understand your foods and will make your choices more naturally. Until then, a nutrition tracking app can make your decisions quick, accurate and convenient.
• Balance your plate with vegetables and fruits. Half your plate – no matter the meal or snack – should consist of fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits. These are high in fiber and nutrients but are typically quite low in calories (with a few exceptions).  They will help to fill you up and keep you full without eating too much.
• Choose smaller plates. Have you ever noticed that your dinner plates are considerably larger than your grandmother’s fancy set? If not, measure them one day. You’ll discover that plate size has grown substantially over the last few decades – along with the average waistline. Research has shown that eating from a smaller plate can help to reduce the amount of food consumed at a given meal. Avoid eating too much by selecting smaller dishes.
• Pay attention to your meal. When you’re eating a meal, focus on your meal and the other people in the room. Conversation is the ideal activity to add to mealtime. Avoid screens such as a television or phone. These lead you to eat mindlessly. You’re far less likely to stop eating once you’re full if you’re watching a screen than you would if you were focused on the meal itself.