Obesity is a widespread problem in most of the modern world. There are a number of factors that contribute to this problem. One common factor in many cases is habitual overeating. The habit is difficult to break, and many people who are trying to lose weight search desperately to discover the secrets to avoid overeating. Overeating causes could range from Depression, Stress and guilt to even just a fascination for food. The secrets to avoid overeating are in fact quite simple. First of all, it is important to identify the cause of your overeating and address it. If, for example, you eat when depressed, you need to find a different, healthier way to express or address your emotions. Here are some ways in which you can curb your appetite and thus cure overeating:

Overeating

Eat small, but frequent meals during the course of the day, instead of having one or two large meals. Health experts recommend that everyone should eat 6 small meals during the day. Do not keep a gap of more than 4 hours between your meals.

Just before you are ready to start your meal, drink a glass of water, preferably cold, or have a bowl of clear soup, which is broth based. Clear vegetable soup or clear chicken soup is a very healthy option and they have the tendency to fill your stomach, before a meal.

Your meal could consist of uncooked vegetables or a salad with some low fat salad dressing. By doing so, you are adding fiber to your diet.

Fiber normally adds bulk to whatever you eat and it keeps you full for a longer period, enabling you to cut down on unnecessary snacks. Therefore, foods like brown rice, whole grain bread, wheat pasta and oatmeal can help you eat less than you normally would.

Munch on an apple or any other fruit of your choice in between meals instead of junk food. You could also opt for crackers, cereals with skimmed milk, or even low fat yoghurt. Vegetables like cucumbers and carrot sticks make great snack options too.

People tend to feed too much on unhealthy snacks during activities like watching TV, surfing the net, chatting on the phone and so on. Instead of indulging in such activities, it is healthier to spend some time working out.
Exercising is great way of deviating your mind from food and burn extra calories. It is also known to lift your spirits and it is a good stress buster.

Avoid eating out of boredom, which is one of the most common reasons for overeating. When bored try reading a book, listening to some of your favorite music or engage yourself in some other physical activity.