FACTS ABOUT OVEREATING

Food seems to be in abundance everywhere you turn.  All the snacks, candy, and hearty meals can easily lead to overeating.  Yet, overeating can have many more negative effects than just weight gain.

1. BLOOD SUGAR SPIKE

Usually when someone overeats, they consume carbohydrates or sugary foods.  This causes blood sugar spikes, making the body frantically put energy to use, and often leading to a crash.

2. HEARTBURN

The backup caused by compressed organs can also lead to heartburn. The backup forces stomach acid to retreat into the esophagus. Although the common term for this is heartburn, the name is misleading. The hydrochloric acid is literally burning your esophagus.

3. STOMACH EXPANSION

When your stomach is holding too much food, it pushes on other organs, inhibiting their functions and causing them to overwork. The stomach can hold up to 12-16 cups of food, but only about 4 cups comfortably.

The organs being pushed on by the stomach create extra hormones and enzymes to break down the food.  Blood is also sent to the gastrointestinal tract to provide energy needed to break down the food.  The longer blood is in the stomach, the longer the rest of your body does not get it's necessary nutrients.

4. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

The digestive system has a limited number of enzymes it can release at one time. This means extra food will sit in the stomach longer. The food that sits longer is more likely to be turned into fat. Especially if you overeat often.

5. SLEEP

The hormones that cause sleep also cause hunger. Overeating makes you full for a long time. This can lead to a disruption in the hormone levels and make it harder to sleep. 

HOW TO PREVENT OVEREATING

Culture often brings people together over a meal.  Use these tips to try and make your meals smarter.

1. BE MINDFUL

Appetizers!  They are delicious, but they can add calories to your day quickly.  Limit your intake before your meal and be mindful of your portions during your meal.  It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for your body to let you know you are full.  After you finish some food, take a break to make sure you are still hungry.

2. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Your body is very good at telling you what kind of food it needs. Take a few moments to see if your body needs fat, protein, or carbs. Choose the food your body needs.