If you’ve got a TV in the kitchen – get it out of there!

We love food and we love TV – just don’t mix the two... 

When our brains are focused on a TV or computer screen – there’s a good chance we’ll consume a LOT more calories without even knowing it. Matthew Clark, psychologist and obesity researcher at the Mayo clinic has a few suggestions on how to break the TV eating habit:

• For one week, keep a journal of all screen time and what you eat during it. You may be shocked at what you hadn’t noticed the week before.

• Put some post-it notes on your TV and computer reminding you to eat somewhere else.

• If you’ve got a TV in the kitchen – get it out of there. You’ll be doing the whole family a favor.

The shows you watch can make a difference too. Dr. Clark points out that if a TV show excites you and inspires conversation with family or friends, you’re less likely to eat during it. But if a show leaves you feeling flat or bored, hide the snacks! That will make you much more prone to emotional eating.