So I see this a lot (and I myself have been guilty of it too)... Walking by a vending machine or opening the door to the fridge looking up, down, left and right and thinking "Hmmm... What do I want to eat?"
Well the answer to that question is simply NOTHING!... This post I am going to talk about false hunger cravings.
We are designed to eat only to fuel our bodies but sometimes we have this little thing called false hunger cravings that throws a wrench into those plans. The best example I can find of false hunger is staring into a vending machine or fridge and being indecisive about what you want to eat. Typically in those cases you are eating not for fuel but to fill some type of emotional void (Sadness, Boredom, Loneliness, Stress). Do identify a false hunger craving simply ask yourself the following question:
"Am I eating to fuel my body or fill an emotional void?"
One of the real turning points in anyone's journey to achieving their goal weight is first identifying false hunger cravings vs actual hunger cravings to fuel your body. Once a person can identify a false hunger craving they can then begin to replace that with something positive and healthy such as a glass of water or some fruit. In some cases the healthiest and most positive thing to do is to go for a walk or jog.
In my personal journey I noticed I would eat from loneliness or boredom and the best thing I could do was call up a friend. Just having someone to talk to was enough to satisfy the "emotional" craving that I used to interpret as a "hunger" craving.
So from now on just become consciously aware of "why" your eating. I think once you understand why you are eating you will be able to make smarter and healthier choices and that is a very empowering tool for you.