Do You Eat in Front of the Tube?

Is there a better set-up than the idiot box in front of your eyes and meal under your nose? Ah, consumption heaven!

Why is the idea of eating and watching TV at the same time so enticing? Maybe it's because we spend all day trying to cram as many tasks we need to get done together in the shortest period of time. And then when we finally settle in to relax for the evening, we want to let the sensory waves wash over us with the same enviable rate of productivity - no time to waste!

It could be that it's just a comfort thing - feeding our minds (or at least a small part of them) and our mouths at the same time just feels doubly good. Whatever the reason, it's a problem if you're trying to cut calories (and trim body fat). A 2006 study conducted at Penn State University revealed that we eat up to 30% more food while watching TV than we do with the TV off. Several of my clients confide to me that one of their biggest obstacles to losing weight is their habit of snacking after dinner while watching their favorite shows. If you're eating any calories late that you don't need - it all goes to stored fat.

The problem is that we are much less mindful about how much we're consuming as it relates to how much we need when we're distracted with the television. Have you ever finished a show or movie you watched while snacking and suddenly realized you're stuffed? If that happens an hour or two before you go to bed - that's nearly all excess you won't burn off that day.

So what are some good alternatives to eating in front of the boob tube? Here are a few:

• Stretching
• Sipping green or herb tea
• Flossing your teeth
• Deep breathing

Also, if you're alone, try walking around your house or apartment at commercial breaks, or write short cards or notes to friends or family. If you are with someone, make a point to hit the mute button during commercials (they always assault your senses with a big increase in volume for the commercials anyway - just in case you dozed off during the program) and discuss the show or share something that happened during the day. All these activities will help you to be more aware and focused on what you're doing - and less likely to consume mindlessly.

The next time you eat without watching TV, or watch TV without eating, stop for a minute to notice how each was just a bit fuller experience than it is when you're combining the two.

And greater enjoyment is a pretty good incentive to keep up healthy behaviors.