Do you snack mindlessly while watching TV?

Humans are creatures of habit. Research shows that you can become so accustomed to eating in certain situations—such as when watching TV—that it becomes a habit. You may grab a snack even when you're not hungry or eat more than you intend to just because you're used to eating in front of the TV.

To break yourself from the TV snacking habit, try these strategies:

• Limit your television watching time. Experts say that if you reduce your exposure to events that cause you to eat, you'll naturally eat less.
• Make a household rule: Eating is only allowed at the kitchen or dining room table—away from the TV.
• Think of another activity that you can do while watching TV to get your mind off snacking. Examples include knitting or pedaling a stationary bike.