Things to Keep You Busy While You Are Dieting

Limiting your food intake while dieting may leave you preoccupied about eating all day long. You'll need to make a plan and implement strategies to distract yourself from food. These might be temporary changes until your new eating routine becomes habit or they might be new hobbies and patterns you stick with long term. In addition to creating diversions from food, it's a good idea to enlist a group of friends, family and co-workers to whom you make yourself accountable and receive support while you are dieting.

Physical Activity

Be more physically active to distract yourself from food while dieting. You won't be around a lot of food when you go for a walk, hike, bike ride or jog. Don't take any money with you, lest you pop into a doughnut shop or convenience store for a treat along the way. Also, according to researchers at Brigham Young University, after aerobic exercise your interest in food may actually decrease temporarily, meaning you may be less likely to overeat after exercising. These effects could be due to exercise-induced changes to levels of hormones, such as ghrelin, which plays a role in appetite. In addition to taking your mind off food, exercise helps you burn calories to promote weight loss.

Social Functions

Social engagements provide another great distraction from food, as long as the gathering isn't centered on food. Set up regular dates with friends or family members to go for a walk, chat on the phone, meet in the park or stroll through the mall. Consider joining a weekly book club to get you out of the house and away from food. If you're part of a spiritual or religious community, look into weekly group gatherings or volunteer projects to keep your mind off eating. Focusing on other tasks or other people distracts you from your own desire to eat, even if temporarily.


On days when you're not meeting a friend or exercising, consider learning a new skill. Divert your mental energy from food to a new hobby. According to an article published in the journal "Eating and Weight Disorders" in March 2009, food preoccupation and anxiety lessened in women with eating disorders when they knitted and took knitting lessons. Perhaps you've always wanted to sew or quilt. Look for a local class or get how-to books and videos from the library. If you have some outdoor space, learn to grow a vegetable or flower garden. Or consider another one of the endless possibilities for hobbies, such as scrap booking, candle making, painting or flower arranging. If none of these catch your interest, take a stroll through a local craft or art store and see what else might. You never know -- you could meet another hobby enthusiast who wants a workout buddy.

Everyday Activities

Some days, none of these options may work for you. So think about spending a little extra time and effort doing everyday tasks. Perhaps an extra hour at work could get you a little ahead or give you time to straighten up your desk. Maybe you have a closet or drawer at home that could use some organization. Start tackling projects you've put off, such as cleaning the basement or attic, gathering items to give away or sell or redecorating your bedroom. All of these activities are productive and keep your hands busy and away from food.