How to Stop Snacking
May 4, 2020
Since we’re now spending more time at home, it’s easy to fall into a habit of mindless snacking, but that spells disaster for your weight and your health. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to snacking.
Do
Drink water. Sometimes we snack because we think we’re hungry, but actually our body is simply dehydrated. Before reaching for that bag of cookies, drink a glass of water first. Wait five minutes to see if you’re still hungry. Chances are, the water will fill you up. Keep sparkling or zero calorie water and herbal teas handy for just this purpose. If you’re looking for a functional drink to hydrate, check out our Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier.
Choose a snack that will satisfy. If you’re going to snack, eat something that offers nutritional value. What are healthy snacks? Reach for a mix of protein, like Quest Nutrition protein bars, healthy fats and veggies like trail mix. Greek yogurt, tuna, cottage cheese, mixed nuts or crunchy carrots and dip.
Unplug while snacking. Binge eating while binge watching packs on the pounds. It’s easy to quickly and mindlessly devour an entire family-sized bag of chips while catching up on all your favorites. You end up feeling gross, unsatisfied, and searching for more junk.
Practice mindful snacking. Often when we snack, we’re slumped in a chair or eating while standing up in the kitchen. Instead make snacking an event. Turn off the TV, place your snack on a plate, sit at the dinner table and focus on the textures and flavors of the food.
Brush your teeth after snacking. Sweet or salty treats taste funny when your breath is minty fresh. Try brushing right after dinner and you’ll probably be snack-free all night.
Make sure your nutritional needs are being met. This is not a time to skimp on your health. Be sure to take well-balanced vitamins and supplements to stay strong.
Don’t
Store tempting snacks where you’ll see them. If you’re not going to stop buying unhealthy snacks, at least store them out of sight or in a hard-to-reach place. Out of sight, out of mind. After awhile you’ll forget they’re there and if you wait long enough they’ll no longer be good. Instead keep healthy foods front and center.
Stockpile food. Although many of us are stockpiling food right now, make sure it’s the healthy kind. Stockpiling snack foods “just in case” leads to purchasing – and eating – more than is necessary.
Implementing even a couple of these tips will help curb unhealthy snacking and put you on the path to a healthy lifestyle.
