
Health coach shares 7 'weird things' to do to prevent overeating: ‘Leave a few bites on your plate'
Nothing says kitchen's closed like a minty fresh mouth! It's a simple way to signal to the brain that eating time is over, making it less tempting to snack.
When you compare your plate to everyone else's, it can make you feel guilty or second-guess your eating choices. Instead, focus on what your body needs. Avoid making unhealthy comparisons. 3. Eat with my non-dominant hand:
It sounds funny, but it slows down and makes you more mindful of each bite. It's a gentle reminder to actually taste your food instead of just eating it on autopilot. 4. Put your fork down between bites:
It's a simple way to pause and check in with your hunger level. Plus, it makes meals more enjoyable when you actually take the time to savour each bite. Also read | Binge eating can affect your heart health. Here are tips to manage binge eating disorder Know how to manage your cravings.(Freepik) 5. Leave a few bites on your plate:
This habit can take some practice, but it's a great way to break the clean plate mentality. Leaving a little behind reminds you that it's okay not to finish everything. 6. Go for a walk after each meal:
Whether it's a stroll with your dogs or a few minutes on your walking pad, it helps with digestion and keeps you from immediately reaching for more food. It also clears your mind and gives you a boost of energy. Also read | Woman who lost 72 kg shares her 4 secrets to recovering from binge eating 7. Talk out loud to yourself:
When cravings hit, ask yourself if you are actually hungry, or just bored or stressed. Hearing yourself ask that question snaps you out of autopilot and helps you make a more mindful choice.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
Your screen is making you sick? Experts call for digital detox as screen time fuels health crisis
Doctors across specialties are calling for digital detox as screen-related stress, sleep issues and anxiety surge in 2025. Experts explain how intentional disconnection from devices can reset brain chemistry, improve sleep and boost emotional health—making unplugging a modern, science-backed prescription for well-being. read more Haunted by unread books or a dusty yoga mat in the corner? If you're one of the millions who spend an average of five or more hours a day glued to digital screens, scrolling endlessly through social media or binge-watching content, experts warn it's time to consider a reset. Increasingly, doctors are urging people to step away from their screens and embrace digital detox as a vital prescription for physical and mental well-being. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2025, as our devices become inseparable from daily life, the need for structured screen breaks has taken on new urgency. Medical professionals across specialties are reporting a dramatic rise in symptoms directly linked to digital overuse from chronic eye strain and sleep disturbances to rising levels of anxiety and social withdrawal. Not just a trend, but preventive medicine 'Digital detox isn't a fad, it's now a critical part of preventive healthcare,' Dr. Manisha Arora, Director of Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital (Delhi) told Firstpost. 'In today's hyper-connected environment, our brains are overwhelmed with constant notifications from apps like YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The impact on mental and physical health is visible across all age groups.' According to Dr. Arora, prolonged exposure to screens contributes to reduced physical activity, disrupted sleep cycles, and poor posture. Children and teenagers are increasingly complaining of headaches and restlessness, while older adults are reporting fatigue and difficulty focusing. The physical toll is significant. 'Ophthalmologists are seeing more cases of digital eye strain. ENT specialists are noting hearing issues caused by excessive use of earbuds, especially among younger patients,' she says. Mental health professionals, too, are witnessing the fallout: rising cases of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, particularly linked to social media comparison. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Doctors are now routinely discussing 'digital hygiene' during consultations. 'We advise families to set screen-free hours, especially during meals and before bedtime,' Dr. Arora said. For children, structured screen time and parental controls are vital. For adults, mindfulness in digital consumption—engaging with content intentionally rather than passively is key. Unplugging is neuroscience-backed self-care Dr. Gagan Saini, Vice Chairman and Head of Radiation Oncology at Yashoda Medicity, frames digital detox in biological terms. 'Excessive screen time overstimulates the sympathetic nervous system, the 'fight or flight' response, keeping the body in a constant state of low-grade stress. This contributes to elevated cortisol levels, poor sleep, fatigue, and difficulty focusing. Blue light exposure from screens disrupts melatonin release, affecting circadian rhythm and sleep architecture. 'As a physician, I've observed an alarming rise in symptoms linked not to viruses or chronic disease, but to screen overuse. Headaches, sleep disturbances, anxiety, eye strain and even postural issues are increasingly rooted in our digital habits. The prescription? A concept as simple as it is powerful: unplugging,' he added. Dr Saini further said that unplugging allows the parasympathetic nervous system, our 'rest and digest' mode to regain balance. 'Even 30 minutes a day of conscious disconnection from phones, laptops and television can lower heart rate, improve mood and support better sleep quality.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The doctor's prescription: conscious disconnection Both Dr Saini and Dr Arora emphasised intentional disconnection as the new health mantra. From using focus apps and screen time trackers to setting social media boundaries, small daily habits can prevent long-term health consequences. The goal isn't to reject technology but to use it wisely, on our own terms. 'Walk without earphones. Talk without distractions. Make time for silence,' urges Dr. Saini. 'This isn't just good advice—it's medicine.' As digital engagement becomes unavoidable, choosing when and how to disconnect may be the most powerful health intervention of our time.


NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Amid 'Korean Botox' Buzz On Social Media, Experts Tell NDTV What Not To Do
Innotox, colloquially known as "Korean Botox," is a type A botulinum toxin product, used for cosmetic procedures to reduce wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of ageing. Developed by the South Korean company Medytox, Innotox has gone viral on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok because of its alleged convenience and has influenced millions worldwide. What is Innotox? "It is gaining traction due to its pre-diluted, ready-to-use liquid formulation," Dr Jisha Pillai, Dermatologist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, told NDTV. Innotox temporarily blocks nerve signals to targeted facial muscles, preventing them from contracting and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The treatment involves small injections into the target areas of the face. Shefali Jariwala's death Indian actor Shefali Jariwala's sudden death has stirred a debate on the use of such medications, especially in the absence of a professional. The anti-ageing and skin-lightening pills also come in vials and are injected directly into the skin, but users often do it unsupervised. Reports claimed that Jariwala consumed her anti-ageing drugs during fasting, which led to a drop in her blood pressure, causing her death. Unsupervised cosmetic procedures Although, Dr Pillai called it is "inappropriate" and "irresponsible" to link individual's death to cosmetic procedures without any confirmed medical evidence, she said the rise of K-beauty and injectable trends globally has inadvertently led to "increased misuse" of aesthetic treatments to promote "unrealistic expectations" without proper medical guidance. The usage of unregulated products and non-medical or unlicensed clinical injectors can pose serious health risks. "While botulinum toxin can be safe, it must only be administered by trained and board-certified professionals in clinical settings," Dr Pillai said. "Its misuse in non-clinical environments can lead to complications such as ptosis, asymmetry, muscle weakness, or long-standing nerve damage." What are the DOs and DONTs? Pre-Procedure Consultation: Discuss your medical history, allergies, medications, and treatment goals with a board-certified specialist. Medication Disclosure: Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking, especially blood thinners. Approved Vials: Ensure the use of FDA or CDSCO-approved vials stored under proper cold-chain conditions. Post-Injection Care: Avoid alcohol as it can increase bruising and swelling. Also, avoid heavy exercise and massaging or rubbing. Qualified Practitioner: Ensure the procedure is performed by a board-certified medical expert in a sterile environment. Verify Credentials: Check the practitioner's medical board certification and professional affiliations. Avoid Non-Medical Settings: Never get injections in salons or from unqualified individuals. Informed Consent: Ensure you provide proper consent and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. "Not all trending skincare is safe skincare. Trends don't diagnose your medical/skin condition. Always choose evidence and scientific research-based care over viral trends/hype," Dr Pillai concluded. "Beauty is not just about how we look" Dr Sundeep Kochar, life coach and TEDx alumnus, told NDTV that true beauty is not just about how we look, but how we feel and what we radiate from within. In a time when outer appearance often takes centre stage, his message brings our focus back to what truly matters-inner peace, positive energy, and self-care. "While injections and beauty treatments may offer quick fixes, they can never replace the natural glow that comes from a calm mind, a kind heart, and a balanced lifestyle," Dr Kochar told NDTV. "When we practice meditation, eat nourishing food, stay in a peaceful environment, and treat others with compassion, we build a powerful and magnetic aura. This is the kind of beauty that lasts and leaves a deeper impact," Dr Kochar said. Dr Kochar emphasises a few essential DOs and DONTs to help cultivate lasting inner beauty. He advises practising daily meditation, mindful eating with fresh and sattvic food, maintaining a clutter-free environment, and engaging in uplifting conversations.


Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘No longer just gaming': Bengaluru's Nimhans warns of rising digital dependencies as more teens seek help for social media fixation
The SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) clinic at Bengaluru's Nimhans, which treats technology addiction, has flagged a worrying trend — an increasing number of young people are seeking help for compulsive social media use, live-streaming obsessions, and online trading, marking a shift from the earlier dominance of gaming-related cases. While gaming disorder still remains prevalent, clinicians at SHUT say they see a surge in cases tied to newer digital addictions, particularly linked to social media and fan-based live-streaming platforms. Many teenagers spend excessive time and money on such platforms, seeking validation from online creators or getting hooked on features like virtual gifting, paid subscriptions, and endless scrolling. 'We're getting more cases where young users are becoming emotionally attached to content creators on live-streaming apps. They spend hours watching streams, chatting, and even sending virtual gifts. It's no longer just gaming,' said Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, a clinical psychologist at the clinic. Such apps often allow users to pay for virtual interactions with creators, encouraging prolonged use. According to Dr Sharma, these digital spaces can foster unhealthy dependencies, especially among adolescents facing loneliness or low self-esteem. 'Many of these youngsters say they are drawn in because they feel connected or validated through these interactions,' he said. The clinic has also recorded a rise in cases involving compulsive use of short-video apps and social media platforms such as Instagram, where features like reels, stories, and likes keep users constantly engaged. However, these cases rarely involve just one platform. 'Most teens seeking help don't have a single addiction. Someone coming in for gaming is often also spending hours on social media, binge-watching videos, or accessing adult content. It's a cluster of behaviours,' Dr Sharma explained. Parental concerns over such behaviours have also intensified post-pandemic. Many families approaching SHUT report difficulty in regulating their children's screen use, especially with the added lure of social validation and peer competition on social media. 'Parents often come to us saying their child is irritable, isolated, or distracted, and when we assess, we find excessive engagement with multiple apps, not just games. It's increasingly about chasing followers, likes, and online approval,' Dr Sharma said. The clinic's approach to such cases combines cognitive-behavioural therapy, family counselling, and digital detox plans. However, Dr Sharma noted that many of these cases are rooted in deeper emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, or poor self-esteem, which drive teens towards excessive screen use as an escape. 'Many are using social media or live-streaming to cope with stress or loneliness, which becomes a cycle—the more they use, the worse their mood gets, pushing them further into these platforms,' he said. Peer pressure plays a crucial role in fuelling these addictions. Many teens feel compelled to stay online to avoid being excluded from group chats or viral trends. 'There's a clear 'fear of missing out' factor here. One child might have limits set by parents, but their friends are online till late, and they don't want to feel left out,' he added. Dr Sharma stressed that addressing such addictions requires more than just restricting screen time—it involves fostering better communication at home, setting realistic digital boundaries, and addressing the underlying psychological triggers. SHUT's team has been working with schools to raise awareness about social media overuse and digital burnout. They advise a four-step strategy for families: recognising problematic usage, understanding its causes, replacing screen time with offline activities, and seeking help when needed. 'There's no going back on technology, but we need to build digital hygiene. Children and teens must learn when to step back, and families need to be part of that process,' Dr Sharma said. Mehak Singh is an intern with The Indian Express.