Nighttime Eating Advice for Evening Snackers

Feb 12 2020
https://d2gtpjxvvd720b.cloudfront.net/assets/emails/question@2x-a02b76db47a4ac32799e8b19315b3cbf.png Hi Hungry Girl,

I can avoid idle snacking all day long… until the evening hits. I get bored, and I start to snack. Before I know it, one snack turns into three or four. Any tips on how to curb those post-dinner munchies?

No Sleep 'Til Snackin'
https://d2gtpjxvvd720b.cloudfront.net/assets/emails/answer@2x-5ee5d524b01e4c5483f379894f2fa825.png Hi Snackin',

I 100% relate to this. At the end of a long day, it’s a little too easy to slip out of your healthy habits along with your work shoes. But rather than counteract all the good-for-you choices you made during the day, here are a few tips to help you end the day strong…

My New Weapon: Intermittent Fasting

I've recently hopped on the bandwagon with intermittent fasting, and it’s made such a difference. I set a window of “eating time” for the day, and that ends after dinner. I’m a good rule follower, so this one really works for me! There’s no room to negotiate for little extras afterward, because post-dinner eating is off the table… Literally!



Stay Accountable: Track Your Food

I'm a big believer in food journaling. Having to write down "three handfuls of pretzels, five pieces of candy, etc." kinda takes the fun out of that snack. You don’t need a fancy journal or calorie-counting app (although those can be helpful). I just scribble down my food on a piece of paper!



Down a Glass of Water… or Two

You’ve probably heard this before, but even if you’re a little bit dehydrated, you may think you’re hungry when you’re really just thirsty. Chug some water, and wait 15 minutes to see how you feel. If ice-cold water doesn’t do it for you, try it room-temp or warm. I also like a mug of hot water with lemon to fight off those cravings.



So, You Definitely Need a Snack?

It happens! Just choose wisely. Keep a stash of low-calorie snacks that’ll satisfy your need to eat without doing too much damage to your overall calorie intake. Raw veggies are great for this. Try cucumber slices sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning, jicama sticks, or red pepper strips dunked in salsa. If it’s your sweet tooth that’s calling, try a low-cal hot cocoa packet, dessert-flavored tea, or a sugar-free popsicle.



Feed Your Boredom

No, not with junk food! I mean give yourself a nightly activity to take your mind off of eating. Grab a magazine or a book, watch Dateline (like me!), bundle up for a short walk outside (or do some Housewalking inside), play a game (with family or even just on your phone)… anything that keeps your brain AND hands too busy to snack.



When in Doubt, Get Ready for Bed

One of the best tricks to switch off a nagging craving? Brush your teeth. Something about the minty taste helps shut down cravings. Plus, everything tastes weird and unappetizing for a while after you brush your teeth. When all else fails, consider heading to bed early -- sleep is good for you, and it's the ultimate way to give cravings the cold shoulder. Lack of sleep can even make you MORE likely to snack.



The Truth About Intermittent Fasting… This Week on the HG Podcast!

Listen in as Lisa goes one on one with the compelling Dr. Melina B. Jampolis, a board-certified physician nutrition specialist (one of only a few hundred in the US)! They’re answering your questions on all things intermittent fasting (IF). Questions like…

⭑ What are the benefits of IF?
⭑ Can I drink coffee & other beverages while I’m fasting?
⭑ How does IF help with weight loss?

… and so much more! Plus, Lisa shares her personal experience with IF: how she uses it & how it’s helped her. This is a can’t-miss episode.

Click to listen!

And subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Chew on this:

February is Great American Pies Month! This calls for a slice of Freezy Downside-Up PB Dream Pie

Know a pal who has the same problem? Click "Send to a Friend," and pass it on.

Have a Question for Hungry Girl?

Send it in! She answers new Qs each week (but cannot respond to emails personally).

Social

We may receive affiliate compensation from some of these links. Prices and availability are subject to change.

We may have received free samples of food, which in no way influences whether these products are reviewed favorably, unfavorably, mentioned with indifference, or mentioned at all. Click for more about our editorial and advertising policies.

*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.

Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.

Hungry Girl provides general information about food and lifestyle. This information and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Click here for more information.