Are You an Overeater?

There can be many reasons that such a high percentage of Americans today are carrying around too much excess weight. Most all of us have heard the very true and useful information that calories burned need to be higher than calories consumed. This all comes down to regular exercise, as well as a healthy diet. As stated before, this information is all true and very effective in weight management. That is, however, only half the equation. It is also important to get in touch with the psychological reasons behind weight issues. Simply put, overeating is the belief that "I eat too much." It's common for me to hear my clients say they have a willpower problem with food. The truth of the matter is, they may not have a willpower problem at all. Their body may actually believe it needs more food. So what are some of the causes that lead to this belief?

1. Lack of proper rhythm

 - do you have an eating rhythm throughout the day? For instance, you typically eat at the same time every day.

 2. Lack of slow relaxed eating

 - your brain needs time to process the food you just ate. Slow down and enjoy it. Slowing down and being in a relaxed state will actually help stimulate your digestive and calorie burning metabolism!

3. Macronutrient imbalance

- the four macronutrients are protein, carbohydrates, fats, and water. Are one of your macronutrients outweighing the other? For instance, the low carb diet would lack protein, which would lead to an imbalance.

4. Nutrient deficiency

 - are you getting all of your nutrients. Your body may be lacking a nutrient, and you keep eating to attempt to give your body that specific nutrient. This includes the macronutrients above, as well as your vitamins and minerals.

5. Lack of quality in food in diet -

make sure the calories you take in are from quality foods so you aren't consuming wasted calories (ie. cookies). Does that mean never have cookies? Not at all!

 So what is the solution?

Try to find a consistent time every day to eat your breakfast, have a snack, eat your lunch, and eat your dinner. Get into a rhythm or a routine. I encourage you to really take your time to be mentally present and aware of what you are eating, when you are eating it, and the rate at which you are eating. You will be amazed at how much more satisfied you will feel from being tuned in. That satisfied feeling will lead to consuming only the calories your body requires, which will lead to a healthier, leaner, happier YOU!

Rebecca LeSaffre is the owner of Lynnfield Boot Camp, and is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, a Fitness Nutrition Coach and a Physical Therapist Assistant. She is qualified to assess what types of exercises will be most beneficial for meeting personal fitness goals, while also helping assure that you use proper form for maximum results and injury prevention. You can contact her via her web site www.lynnfieldbootcamp.com