<\/p>\n
Most people can manage eating healthy throughout the day with well rounded meals and snacks; however, it\u2019s after dinner when the \u201csnacking bug\u201d hits and will power is put to the test.\u00a0 Giving in to late night cravings can be diet sabotage preventing weight loss and possibly causing weight gain.<\/p>\n
Here are some tips on how to curb late night cravings:<\/em><\/p>\n 1. Drink a few cups of water or hot decaffeinated herbal tea.\u00a0 Drinking water or hot liquid will give you the feeling of being full and possibly prevent the desire to snack.<\/p>\n 2. When you have finished eating for the night brush your teeth and then you won\u2019t want to eat anything because you have to go through the process of brushing your teeth again before bed.\u00a0 Also foods just don\u2019t taste the same or as good after brushing your teeth.<\/p>\n 3. Keep junk food and unhealthy snacks out of sight.\u00a0 This might be difficult if you have children, but the concept of out of sight out of mind is usually helpful to curb the desire to eat junk late at night.<\/p>\n 4. Always eat 3 square meals per day and 2 healthy snacks and try to consume all of your calories before 6 or 7pm.\u00a0 Many people do not eat enough during the day leading to late night hunger and unhealthy snacking.<\/p>\n 5. Keep yourself occupied with a hobby or tasks around the house.\u00a0 Sitting on the couch watching all those commercials for fast food and decadent desserts will not be your friend when trying to avoid late night snacking.<\/p>\n Stick to these tips and once you get out of the habit of late night snacking, the body will no longer crave sweets or junk food late at night.\u00a0 This is like quitting smoking, stick to it and cravings will decrease the longer your resist temptation.\u00a0 Always ask yourself \u201cam I hungry?\u201d Normally the answer will be \u201cno\u201d.\u00a0 If you are not hungry why are you eating? Think about that next time you are headed to the kitchen for a late night snack.<\/p>\n Still Hungry?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n If hunger pains are keeping you awake at night try these healthy snacks that will help you sleep and leave you waking up in the morning still feeling guilt-free.\u00a0 Try low calorie snacks like air popped popcorn, yogurt, cottage cheese, whole-grain cereal with non-fat milk, or a handful of nuts or seeds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Michelle Roots BA Kin, CSCS, PES<\/p>\n