Nighttime Noshing

If standing in front of an open refrigerator while munching on a bag of chips & debating a second helping sounds familiar, you may be sabotaging your goals with a serious case of nighttime noshing.  Although night-time eating gets the better of us all at some point, making this a regular habit can wreak havoc on your digestion, sleep, and pack on the pounds.  While it’s true that research suggest that night time eating doesn’t slow your metabolism or guarantee weight gain, ultimately it’s the patterns that drive us to night time eating that most likely do contribute to a slowed metabolism and an obstacle to the body you desire.   Check out these tips for putting a halt to night time noshing, your body will thank you: Fuel First. Eating too little during the day can cause your metabolism to slow and further compound weight gain with a voracious evening appetite.  Tip: Start your day with a balanced breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, and fruit.  Beat Boredom. After a stressful day it can be a challenge to downshift without turning to food.  Instead, tune in and think about whether you are truly hungry or maybe just need some downtime or a change of scenery.  Tip: Try taking a walk, a refreshing shower, call a friend, or even simply sit back with a cool glass of water to help yourself unwind. Harness Happy Hour. While a couple drinks may help you to relax, alcohol can also delay appetite only to elevate and boomerang back later .  In addition, alcohol tends to steer us toward less nutritious options, burgers & beer anyone?   Tip: Keep a lid on the number of drinks you consume and stick to your usual meal time to stay on track. Shop Smart. We all know our trigger foods; those that stare back at us in the fridge, freezer or pantry.  Set yourself up for success by avoiding those foods altogether and simply don’t purchase them .  Out of house, out of mind, or at the least, you’ll have to go out to get it which is hassle enough to make most people resist the urge.  Tip: Focus on turning into your true hunger and grab nutritious choices when you are truly hungry. Reward. Cutting back on night time noshing can be challenging!  Keep your motivation up and stay on track by rewarding yourself when you reach mini goals.   Tip: Consider what is motivating to you and write out your goals and rewards. After a week of good eating you may treat yourself to a new outfit or grabbing a movie.      Make Smart Swaps. Sometimes cutting out certain foods altogether can be overwhelming. In those situations, combating night time noshing with healthier options can be a smart bet! Tip: Try yogurt for ice cream or a few squares of dark chocolate for cookies.    Author: Sarah Mattison Berndt, MS, RD, CD Owner Fit Fresh Cuisine & Hybrid Athletic Club www.fitfreshcuisine.com www.hybridathleticclub.com
Source: Complete Nutrition