10.07.20 - Nuts-n-Bolts Video Notes - Episode #4 - H.A.L.T. Method

Today we are going to go over a tool that can help you determine if you really are hungry or if you are just mindlessly / emotional eating!

Coach Beckie here, Your Go-To Resource for Healthy Transformation. So let's get to it!...

When it comes to your health, it's obviously important to pay attention to what you eat. When grabbing for that extra bite, stop and ask yourself if you really are hungry or if there is something else is going on that’s causing you to turn to food. The tool that I am going to recommend that you use is known as the HALT method. It's an acronym that stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. One of the reasons why this works so well is because emotions can trick us into thinking we’re hungry when actually we’re not.

Here's how it works...when you catch yourself reaching for that extra bite of food, stop and ask yourself...

• “Am I physically hungry?” If you are, then redirect yourself to a healthier snack which can tide you over until your next meal. If you’re not hungry, then ask yourself...
• “Am I angry?” Eating an entire sleeve of Oreos because you’re mad at someone will only later make you feel guilty and you'll be furious with yourself later on. I mean why put yourself through that? Instead, choose a healthy way to blow off your steam; go out take a brisk walk or let it all out in your journal.
  If you are not hungry or angry, then ask yourself...
• “Am I lonely?” No matter how delicious it is, food is no substitute for human companionship. To get the true connection you seek, call a friend or relative.
• Not lonely either? Then ask yourself...
• “Am I tired?” You can’t make smart choices about food if you’re nodding off. Catch a twenty-minute catnap, take a quick shower, or - if it’s nighttime - then go to bed.

So yes, the HALT method really is that simple. So next time you find yourself aimlessly reaching for an unplanned snack, HALT! And ask yourself...Am I really hungry, angry, lonely or tired? If so, then choose a healthier alternative rather mindlessly eating.

If you'd like to learn more about what we went over in today's video then drop me a FaceBook message or email so we can schedule an individual online health coaching session and discuss your specific fitness and health needs.

Until next time, this is Coach Beckie signing-off, Your Go-To Resource for Healthy Transformation, and please remember!...Healthy Choices Build a Better You!