10 Reasons We Eat When Not Hungry

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Most of us agree that we eat when we are hungry. But hunger is also a perception. It is hard to understand when you are really hungry and when you just feel like eating. Do you eat only when you are hungry? Eating when you are not hungry is a very common thing. But have you ever wondered why we eat when we are not hungry? The reasons will surprise you.

When you binge on something, you usually do not feel that you are eating when you are not hungry. At that point of time, your reason for binging seems like a very legitimate one. You are overcome with guilt later when you realise that you have stuffed yourself unnecessarily. Eating when stressed or bored are common reasons for overeating.

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The most disturbing fact about eating when you are not hungry is that you tend to pick the most fattening and unhealthy foods. When you are actually not feeling hungry, you eat to satisfy your whims and that is when you take a bulk of the unwanted calories. Here are some of the reasons why we eat when we are not hungry.

Boredom

Eating when bored is a common reason for overeating and also eating the most unhealthy food. Hunger is determined by the stomach and the brain. When you are bored, your brain gives you a 'craving' and you want to eat even if you are not hungry.

Because You Have Paid For It

This tends to happen a lot when you go to a restaurant and opt for a buffet. You tend to stuff yourself even when you are full because you have paid for the food and you don't want to waste it.

Others Are Eating

When smokers see others smoke, they feel the urge to puff themselves. Similarly, food is also like a addiction. When you see others eating, you feel like eating yourself.

Emotional Eating

Food is not just to fill your belly; there is an emotional attachment to food. Women often gorge on chocolates after a breakup. Similarly, you feel like grabbing some fried chicken when you are feeling low.

You Are With Food Pushers

Do you know that the people around you like your colleagues, friends and partner can make you fat? Some people are food-pushers; they eat unhealthy food themselves and push it on to your plate. Remember the friend who wants burgers and fries for every meal?

Because You Are Celebrating

We tend to give ourselves a treat on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries by eating whatever we want. This over indulgence means we keep eating even if we are not hungry just because we are in the mood for celebration.

As There Is Food Around

If you had a hot and crispy pizza on your dinning table, then would you really analyse if you are hungry? The thought of some creamy ice cream in the freezer itself can make you feel hungry.

You Don't Want To Waste Food

You see poor kids on the street and feel bad about all the wastage in the world? You suffer from the 'clean plate' syndrome. Some people cannot waste food that is there in their plate because when they look at the extra food they are reminded of malnourished children. It's a noble thought even if it doesn't agree with your waistline.

It's Time To Eat

Just like sleep, hunger also has a biological clock. If you eat your dinner at 9 pm every night, then you will be tempted to eat at this time even if you had an unusually heavy snacks at 7pm.

It's A Treat

You are foodie but you have to watch your pocket. So when someone calls you for a treat, you can hardly resist. We can all get really very hungry when someone else is paying the bill.