One of the common themes in my accountability groups are challengers who say they have trouble with late night snacking, and I know they're not alone. So many people, myself included sometimes, just hear that kitchen calling their name. Those fresh baked cookies left over from a birthday party or that tub of ice cream hubby brought home for the kids. Or maybe it's not even something specific, maybe you just find yourself poking around the kitchen for something to eat. Most of
the time this is just mindless munching, and not actual HUNGER! So today I'm going to share a few tips that I find helpful and I hope they work for you too!
Be sure to eat a well rounded dinner that you enjoy - If you're trying to lose weight you may be thinking "all I can eat is grilled chicken and steamed broccoli and I'll be starving in 20 minutes". Well that couldn't be ANY further from the truth!! But what you do need to make sure is that your dinner is well rounded. So be sure to have some lean meat such as chicken, fish, turkey (think
grilled fish tacos,
Turkey Meatloaf or
chicken kebobs....doesnt sound so bad right??? Now add in some healthy fats - Avocado on your tacos or grill your chicken in a little coconut oil. Dont forget the whole grains (Quinoa with your kebobs, brown rice with your tacos) and some fiber dense veggies like broccoli, zucchini or asparagus.
Snack Prep - So if you just KNOW that you need to munch on something after dinner then let's do it. BUT let's plan for it and get prepared. Clear your house, kitchen and fridge of junk. Toss the cookies, candy, cake, ice cream, ding dongs (do they even make those anymore, yuck) Cheetos, sugar filled cereals etc. Whatever is a trigger for YOU, get-it-out!! And stock up on good foods that you can eat and not feel guilty for after. Some of my late night snack faves are plain Greek yogurt with some berries, sliced nitrate free
turkey lunch meat wrapped around a slice of avocado and pepper, 1/2 a banana rolled in a small tortilla with peanut butter or veggies and hummus. Sometimes a big glass of water or nice warm cup of green tea will do the trick too!
Get Busy - No not like that!! I mean get up and get moving...Do that laundry that's starting to take up space in the corner, go for a walk, read a book, give yourself a manicure....wet nails don't go so well with snacking! Take the dog for a walk, prune your flowers, play soccer with the kids. There are TONS of things you can do to get active and keep your mind from wandering to food.
Brush your teeth - Have you tried to drink orange juice after you've just brushed your teeth? Not so pleasant right? This usually helps with most other foods too. They just don't taste the same after you've left your mouth feeling minty fresh!
Bed time! - So you've finished dinner, played a game of soccer with the kids, came in for a small bowl of yogurt and berries and you're still thinking about food! I know, you tried all my tips and the kitchen is still calling your name...It happens. This can take some time but I promise you that if you give this a shot, you will be fitting into those short for summer in no time!! So get the kids to bed and hop in yourself. Curl up with a good book and doze off into never never land!!
I hope that you have learned a few tips to help you curb your late night snacking habit. I know it can be a challenge, especially when our loved ones bring junk food into the house. Even with the best intentions they may not know just how hard that is for us. So share with them your goals, share with them that you appreciate their kindness but you would much rather spend time going on a walk with them or watching a movie than bonding over candy or ice cream.
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