WFH can't stop eating

[CheshireSplat]

I have been WFH most of the time since covid started. My work is frantic, long hours and very very busy.

Recently my snacking has got out of control. Every time I go to the kitchen to make a cup of tea (frequently) I eat something, mostly involving bread and cheese. I've put on weight and feel fat and sad.

I think I am doing it because if I am in the kitchen eating, I am not working. So I'd love to hear ideas for 2-3 minute breaks, eg weed the garden for 2 minutes, do star jumps etc. Quick breaks away from the desk that keeps me away from the kitchen. Thank you!

Watching this with interest as this is what I do and have put on a stone in a year as a result. I am equally sad about it.

For me, I have a designated snack once in the morning and once in the afternoon. At all other times, the kitchen is closed (unless I am genuinely hungry). Knowing I can have something helps me resist the boredom eating and enjoy whatever I do choose.

I have absolutely transformed my house by making myself do a 10 min job for the last 10 mins of every hour. Also means I don't spend it in the kitchen! I've a big list of small jobs that I know need doing (clean inside window, washing up, load of laundry in, load of laundry OUT, clean shower screen, sweep the floor etc etc) and I just pick one. I have to do them fast to make it in the 10 mins (sometimes I'll use 15 etc), but i get so much done!! And I still think I do more work at home as at work I reckon I waste more than 10 mins of every hour chatting or something. You have to have the right 'sort' if work (mine is lots of admin/spreadsheets etc), and it doesn't work on days with meetings, but it's got my house in loads better condition and is making me move more!

That's a good idea. I think a list is good as personal I need the direction as I would procrastinate and then just eat.

Stop drinking tea. Keep water in your office so you're not constantly going into the kitchen for a drink and getting tempted while you're in there.

I also do this and avoid the putting on weight part by making each snack small and low calorie. A cracker, a piece of fruit, a handful of cereal, a piece of liquorice. Even if I eat 8 snacks the sum total is about 200 cals.

I do calorie count my entire day's intake however and factor these calories into my overall daily amount.

I read my emails while I'm on the exercise bike.

Lots of protein has helped for me. A 2 or 3 egg omelette for breakfast stops me needing a morning snack and then tuna or cottage cheese at lunch helps. It seems to build up too so your appetite lessens over time it's even stopped me snacking in the evenings

This has been a big problem for me, too. The best way I have found of managing it is to skip breakfast. I know this isn’t usually considered a good idea, but I find it easier to delay my first meal of the day than to stop eating once I’ve started.
I also keep a big bowl of chopped raw veggies and a pot of salsa dip in the fridge to snack on. This is a lot healthier than yet another slice of cheese on toast.

Goldenbear, I'm sorry you are feeling sad. I'm also feeling pretty ashamed too. I mentioned it to DH yesterday and do feel a little better that he doesn't think I'm disgusting!

Gingerbread, that sounds v impressive! Some of my days are filled with meetings but I have used a work 47 minutes, 13 minutes off , technique sometimes, so that would work really well.

@BeefSupreme

Stop drinking tea. Keep water in your office so you're not constantly going into the kitchen for a drink and getting tempted while you're in there.

I think you're right. Yesterday, I decided to cut out dairy for a week or so to break this as then I won't have tea or cheese sandwiches, or toast and butter. The amount of tea I drink, the milk will account for quite a few calories.

I do exactly the same.

I have a small kettle in my "office" with a wide selection of teabags and I keep a 1.5 litre bottle of water in there too to refill the kettle without leaving the room..and entering the Temptation Zone!

I also try to do something every hour that is out of the "office" to move around a bit. I haven't been as productive as the PP though! But having the kettle by my desks means I have no reason to actually go to the kitchen during the "break". Doesn't mean I don't end up there sometimes, but it does reduce it!

I work in my kitchen so I know how you feel! I’m currently trying to lose my Xmas weight but what usually works for me is designated snacks. So 7.30 am breakfast, 10am - hot chocolate, 1pm lunch and 3.30pm - few nuts and an apple. Also lots of water.
I also go for a 15-20 min walk before work and try to exercise or walk for 30 mins at lunchtime, meetings allowing.

Very pleased to hear I'm not alone. Dare your solution is understandable.

I think I've got so bad because I've been trying to come to terms with overeating, which has been to try to use willpower, and that hasn't worked for about 4 years, so I think restrictions (like avoiding the kitchen) is the key, rather than trying to get to grips with my overeating.