3 Ways to Stifle Hunger Before Bed
By Genevieve Cunningham
You may or may not be aware that nighttime snacking is among the worst snacking that you can do. Research suggests that snacking before bed can lead to weight gain, most specifically, weight gain around the middle. But for many of us, midnight snacking is among the most enjoyable! We love to graze on some popcorn or quick chips or a sweet treat. And unfortunately, this is a habit that's really hard to break. But if you're serious about getting fit and losing weight, it's also necessary to break it. If you're guilty of late night snacking, take a look at these tips for stifling the hunger and ending the habit for good.
Recognize Boredom
Not all late night snacking is actual hunger. The key is to recognize the difference, and unfortunately, this isn't always easy. Before you reach for a snack tonight, drink a big glass of water. Then take a few minutes to pay attention to how you feel. True hunger will linger, even after you've finished the water. Boredom will go away as soon as you find something to do.
Drink Tea
If you need something with flavor, opt for a sleepy time tea. This solves the issue of needing something in your stomach, and it may bring the additional benefits of making you feel tired. You can also try a peppermint, mint, chamomile, or any flavored tea of your choosing. Depending on any additional sweeteners, your tea will likely contain very few, if any, calories. And as an additional bonus, many people find this incredibly calming and wind up with a better night's sleep.
Plan Ahead
If you don't think that you can truly break the late night snacking habit, then at least make a plan. Instead of waiting for the hunger to appear and reaching for whatever snack you can find, schedule it into your menu. This gives you the opportunity to make the snack healthy, and with a little planning, you may be able to keep the calories low and the weight gain nonexistent.
A little late night snacking from time to time is unlikely to do much damage to your health. But if this is a regular habit of yours, you might need to get it under control. Use these tips to fight the urge, stifle the hunger, and get your health in better condition than ever before.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Alexandria, Va.
