Q: I'm always thinking about my next meal, snack, or treat. Why can't I seem to get food off my mind?
A: First, rule out hunger as the trigger. "Most dieters tend to be fairly preoccupied with eating," says Susan Burke, R.D., a Florida nutritionist and the author of Naturally Thin? Debunking Diet Myths That May Be Keeping You Overweight.
"But those who just can't get their mind off food may be trying to cut too many calories."
If you're pretty sure a growling tummy isn't driving your cravings, you may be seeking food as a solution to some unrelated issue.
"Many of us turn to meals and snacks as a way of coping with stress," she says. "Since food has the power to soothe and entertain, it's only natural that we'd look forward to a bowl of ice cream when we're disappointed or a pile of nachos when we're bored."
To pinpoint the true cause of your hunger, write down what's happening when your appetite goes into overdrive. Record the time of day, how hungry you feel, and your emotional state.
"After a week or so, you should be able to spot a pattern, like craving candy when you're tired or fast food after a long commute," says Burke. If you need a positive outlet for your food-focused thoughts, try looking up healthy recipes online or drafting your grocery list for the week.
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