(BlackDoctor.org) -- You’re already watching what you eat, but how closely do you watch it? In order to really calculate your calorie intake you have to watch what you eat with a magnifying glass.
 
Stolen bites and tastes (such as handfuls of a friend's popcorn at the movies or tasting the dough while baking cookies) can rack up a few hundred uncounted calories, which can put on pounds fast.
 
Eating while distracted can cause this mindless eating, too. When women who normally watch their portions had lunch in different situations, researchers found that they ate 15 percent more (72 additional calories) when they ate while listening to a detective story compared with when they ate alone and free of any distractions.
 
What’s the solution? Avoid eating when your mind's elsewhere (while on the computer, for example), and eliminate unnecessary distractions (turn off the radio, or set aside the book). Here are other ways to prevent mindless eating.

At the Office A coworker baked banana bread for your morning meeting. Take one slice, and set it aside to savor when you're back at your desk for diet success. If you eat during the meeting, it would be easy to have a slice and a half--or more. 
 
Giving Your Kids Lunch Don't serve as much to start; you can always offer seconds. The minute they're done, wrap up or toss what's left.

Chew Gum While Making Dinner This will prevent you from snacking while cooking.
 
Watching TV Keep your hands busy by knitting, filing your nails, or balancing your checkbook.

By De'Laney Rowland, BDO Staff Writer