How To Stop Nighttime Snacking

In my journey for a healthy life and a healthy weight, one of my biggest obstacles to overcome has been how to stop nighttime snacking. I can eat perfectly all day, and then evening hits and I suddenly have lost all will power. I’ve developed some tips and tricks to help me get through those tough times when evening hits, I’ve already had dinner, but I still feel like snacking.

SET A MEAL-TIME DEADLINE AND STICK TO IT

Make sure you have your dinner no later than a certain time so you are either not so hungry by the time you eat that you overeat or that you start grazing and then still eat a full size meal late. Then you go to bed. Set a strict time and stick to eat. Trust me, I know this is easier said that done! BUT it works with practice and it’s actually freeing when you take the snacking option off the table, so to speak.

KEEP YOURSELF BUSY EITHER IN MIND OR BODY 

Go for a walk. Read a book. Take a bath. Call a friend. Go shopping. A big part of nighttime eating is boredom. You are laying on the couch, watching tv, feeling unsatisfied, and munchies make it feel better. You are not really hungry. Your mind just needs a distraction.

HAVE HEALTH SNACK PREPARED AND IN READY-TO-EAT CONTAINERS

If your are going to eat something, preparation is a key factor. Don’t destroy an entire day of good choices for a moment of weakness! If we have healthy options ready to grab, its more likely to take the carrot sticks and hummus over leftovers we have to pull out, unwrap, put on a plate, heat up, etc. You get my drift? Simple is better. A few minutes of food prep will save you in a moment of weakness. It’s so worth the effort.

ONLY KEEP HEALTHY CHOICES IN PLAIN SIGHT

When you open the fridge the first thing you should see is ready to grab fruit, veggies, and healthy snacks. This is a challenge for me, as my hubby loves to keep the fresh items in the bottom “freshness” bin. I forget about what’s down there and learned the hard way that if it’s not in my sight when I’m super hungry, I’m more likely to grab hubs leftover pizza from his lunch. Same goes for the cupboards. If there are unhealthy treats, put them in the back.

REMIND YOURSELF IT WILL BE THERE TOMORROW

Allow yourself to eat the food on a designated day. When things feel off limits forever, it makes us want them that much more. When you know you can have something it really does dull the allure.

Weight loss and weight management can truly be a battle of will. It’s not always easy, but it most certainly is worth it when you reach your goals! Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up once in a while. Just never give up!