If you’re watching your weight, it’s best to steer clear of late-night snacking for several reasons. Not eating after 7 pm can help you control your daily calorie intake, a strategy Oprah swears by for effective weight management.
One reason to avoid nighttime eating is that those extra calories often come from casual, mindless snacking in front of the TV. It’s easy to snack on feel-good treats while you’re relaxing and watching something like Netflix, which often leads to binge eating.
Many people snack out of boredom, especially at the end of the day after work is done, emails are answered, and you’re just lounging around at home. If you find yourself struggling to avoid late-night snacking, you’re not alone. Here are five helpful tips to keep those cravings at bay.
There’s a podcast called ‘Primal Potential’ that suggests we often snack at night because we’re not actually hungry for food. Instead, we might be seeking excitement, intimacy, love, or attention. For instance, eating when you’re bored might mean you’re craving adventure, while eating when you’re sad might signify a need for love or affection. When you’re anxious, other activities like meditation or journaling could be more effective than reaching for a snack.
Next time you find yourself reaching for a Twix bar, try to identify what you’re really craving by writing your feelings down. This exercise can be surprisingly therapeutic.
Brushing your teeth after dinner is another great way to curb nighttime snacking. Clean your teeth thoroughly and use a minty mouthwash. The fresh, minty taste can make potential snacks seem less appealing. Additionally, brushing after a sweet or sugary dinner can help prevent tooth decay and keep your mouth feeling fresh, making you less likely to ruin that clean feeling with more food.
Hot drinks like coffee or tea can suppress your appetite. A hot beverage is typically low in calories but quite filling. It’s a smarter choice compared to snack foods and can keep your mouth busy for a while.
Low-sugar lollipops are another great alternative. Sucking on one while watching Netflix can keep you from reaching for calorie-laden snacks like chips. Lollipops usually have around 50 calories and take a while to finish, keeping your hands and mouth occupied.
Finding another activity to keep your hands busy, like knitting, crochet, puzzles, or adult coloring books, can also help you avoid snacking. Keeping your hands occupied can effectively distract you from the urge to snack.
So, the next time those late-night snack cravings hit, try implementing some of these tips. If you can manage to curb your late-night snacking, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness and health goals. Start tonight!