I’ve been doing intermittent fasting (IF). That’s not what this post is about, but it’s directly relevant.
I eat all of my food for most days in a roughly 8-hour window, starting in the early afternoon.
I’m home on break.
I’m suddenly very aware of how often I wander into the kitchen looking for a snack. Or how much I pick on what I’m preparing. Because I “can’t” do it now. (More on “can’t” another day.)
I made oatmeal for the others for breakfast today. I didn’t pick off a few of any of the toppings I was adding to either. (Diced frozen mango for The Kid; dates, raisins, slivered almonds for The Climbing Daddy.)
When The Kid didn’t finish his, I didn’t finish it.
When I was chopping apple rings for another recipe for later today, I didn’t eat any of them.
Without IF, I would have eaten all of those things.
If you’re spending time in your house, make note of how much you’re wandering into the kitchen because you’re bored. Or procrastinating. Or any other reason that isn’t “hungry.”
I’ve been slowly changing from where I mindlessly eat to where I eat for fuel. I’m about 30-40% there, which is a major accomplishment. But, mindless eating is one of those things that come to me with boredom or stress. I am trying to be more deliberate… more mindful of those things.