How can you ensure that snacking doesn't undermine your healthy eating habits, not to mention weight control? Try the tips below.
Don't skip meals. Skipping meals may seem like a great way to cut calories, but in fact, it actually makes you so hungry later that you're vulnerable to devouring mega-portions of snacks to easily supply your body with bad sugars.
Keep junk food away from home. If you see things in your pantry, sooner or later you will eat them. If you don't have junk food in your house, it won't tempt you, so don't buy it. After all, you can't eat what isn't there. Or if someone else in your household has chips or other unhealthy snacks, put them out of sight.
Snack mindful. Try not to snack while doing something else, such as surfing the web, watching TV, or working. Instead, stop what you're doing for a few minutes and watch your snack. Eating a block of chocolate can be more satisfying than a whole chocolate bar.
Bring healthy snacks with you. Remember and always keep a small bag of healthy snacks in your purse or car. If you have a healthy snack on hand — preferably one that you actually like — you won't be desperate to buy high-calorie cookies at a gas station or office.
Recognize hunger. Before snacking, ask yourself, “Am I really hungry?” Many of us mistake emotions, such as stress and fatigue, for hunger. If the answer is yes (your stomach feels hollow, your head feels light), make sure you don't confuse hunger with thirst. Drink a large glass of water, then wait 10 to 15 minutes. If you are still hungry, have a healthy snack.
Know your cravings. If you want to snack but aren't hungry, counter your cravings on a psychological level. Ask yourself how you feel. Lonely? Bored? Stressed out? Then ask yourself this question:Will food solve this problem? The answer is always no. Eating a cookie, for example, will not solve the problem you are worrying about. Take a walk around the block, do a few stretches, put on some music, or choose another simple activity that can distract you or boost your mood. Then if you still want to eat, fine. Then just eat a little bit and enjoy.
