Photo: Jeremy Brooks / Flickr

Are you picking up weight even though you have halved the amount on your plate? Your problem may be nibbling. Many of us have developed the bad habit of constantly eating despite what our stomachs may feel. Some of us eat because we like the taste or because we are stressed and need to be comforted or distracted.

Brush your teeth

If you find yourself cooking and chewing at the same time, you may have eaten a whole meal without realising it by the time you actually sit down to eat. A great way to stop yourself from doing this is to brush your teeth. The taste left behind from the toothpaste will stop your cravings and you will be less inclined to put anything in your mouth. If you are in a place where you cannot brush your teeth try chewing a mint-flavoured gum instead. The mint flavour interferes with the taste of other foods, making them less tasty.

Why do you nibble ?

It is senseless starting a diet without knowing why it is you eat so much and this applies to nibbling, too. Monitor your nibbling and when you tend to feel a craving for food. Is it when you are anxious or stressed? Do you eat when you are bored or angry? If an emotional problem is related to your eating then perhaps you should consider sorting it out before even considering weight loss. Your nibbling may be a substitute for something else that may actually be at the root of the problem.

Another trick is to nibble on healthy foods when you feel a craving for something tasty. Carrots, celery sticks and even popcorn are all good options and will have you looking thinner in no time.

Tags: eating healthily, weight loss