How to put an end to late-night snacking
Late-night snacking is the worst! You work so hard all day to stick to your meal plan, but for some reason, nine o'clock rolls around and every ounce of will power goes out the window. Today I'm sharing a few things Kelsey and I do to help keep our late night binge sessions at a minimum.
1. Make eating at the table a habit: Instead of allowing yourself to mindlessly snack on the couch, try only eating at the kitchen table. It makes the act of eating, whether a meal or a snack, about satiating your hunger, not your boredom. I've tried this, and it actually feels super weird eating some of the things I used to snack on at night, at the table. Also knowing you have to leave your comfy spot on the couch, makes you rethink your reason for snacking.
2. Plan for a dessert or night time snack: Create a meal plan that includes a night time snack or dessert. Don't pretend you'll eat dinner every night and then not look for a snack a few hours later. It's perfectly natural to want a little something. By planning ahead, you can make that something good for you and satisfying. For us, it's often a bowl of berries with cool whip, a protein shake with half a frozen banana, or a Babybell cheese and a serving of rice crackers.
3. Set up your kitchen: Put clementine's on your kitchen island, apples in a bowl, cut up veggies like cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes and make them easily accessible in your fridge. Put crackers, popcorn, or anything binge-worthy tucked away in a cupboard so it's tough to get to. It's crazy how much it deters you from the bad things and entices you to eat the good things!
4. Do something else that makes you happy: Sugar and salt give our minds a boost of serotonin and dopamine, two pleasure-inducing hormones in our body. Often times, when we're looking for something salty or sweet, it's because we're actually looking for pleasure. So, watch a funny YouTube video, call a friend, go on a walk, read a book you love. Very consciously enjoy a glass of red wine, decaf espresso or a cup of hot tea. Find pleasure in other things that wont bring you guilt as you tuck yourself in bed.
5. Portion control: Never, ever sit down with a big bag of anything. Portion it out in a bowl or on a plate. There's no better road to binge eating than going head-to-head in a game of will power with a bag of Boom Chica Pop. :)
Try these tips out this week, and let us know if it helps! Each week you do it, the easier it will become. Remember that, and stay strong!
XOXO,
Ronnie and Kelsey