Late-night cravings can sabotage your diet, and it doesn’t take much to trigger the invitation to indulge. A late night movie, T.V. commercial or the pangs of hunger can often lead to unnecessary snacking. The following tips will help you stop food cravings at night.
Eat Healthy Meals
Eating healthy meals throughout the day will help keep you feeling full and satisfied longer. Many times a person snacks because they didn’t eat enough during the day. Incorporate plenty of fiber and low-fat protein into each of your meals such as chicken, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Skipping meals can also encourage late night eating, so you want to make sure you have time to consume at least three healthy meals per day. For those with a pattern for late night snacking, you may want to try eating dinner later. Instead of having supper at six every night, try eating at seven instead. This will give you less time to snack and help you to feel full into the late night hours.
Give In Occasionally
Giving in to a craving is fine when you make healthy choices. Instead of having fattening foods around the house, you can keep smarter options available for when you get a snack attack. Cut up carrots, broccoli, celery and cauliflower and have them handy in the refrigerator. The crunch will keep both your mouth and stomach satisfied, and they won’t hurt your waistline.
Another great option is a whey protein shake. You’ll not only get a good dose of muscle-building protein, but you’ll also keep hunger away; protein is much more filling than carbohydrates and fat. For more benefits of protein, check out this article.
Get Moving
Sitting in front of the T.V. can lead to weight gain and encourage late-night binging. Visual persuasions from a tantalizing commercial can trigger cravings and cause you to raid the refrigerator. Try reading a book, exercising or taking the dog for a walk to keep your mind off food. An early morning jog, weight training and other activities during the day will often encourage sleep at bed time and promote less late-night snacking.
Sugarless Gum or Candy
If you’re having a craving for something sweet, try eating a piece of sugarless gum or candy. The sweet taste will satisfy your need for snacking and keeps your mouth busy chewing. Sugar free options are often ten calories or less.
