May 10, 2018

In last week’s blog, I explored some possible “whys” for what drives us to snack at night. In this week’s blog, it’s time to learn what we can do about it!  Here are some steps you can take right away to help curb your nighttime snacking:

• Eat a balanced breakfast. If you’re snacking before bedtime, you’re probably not hungry when you wake up — so you also might be skipping breakfast. One step you can take starting tomorrow is to begin your day with a balanced breakfast of protein, fiber and healthy fats. Try an egg with veggies sautéed in olive oil (or ghee). Now you have a more balanced, filling breakfast that helps regulate your blood sugar until it’s time for lunch!  Not sure what to eat and what to avoid? Schedule a complimentary one-on-one session with me to talk about your unique concerns, goals and challenges and we will put together a plan that will work for you!
• You can’t eat it if it’s not there.So there you are, right after dinner, looking in the pantry or fridge. If you can’t find the snacks you crave, you can’t eat them!  The decision not to have snacks in the house is made in the supermarket! Next time you’re food shopping, resist the temptation to bring home the unhealthy treats that sabotage your health and weight-loss goals.  If it’s not in your house, it’s not in your mouth!
• Crowd out the unhealthy snacks with better options.  It’s unrealistic to think we’ll never want a snack. The key is to choose “good, better, best” options for snacking! Check out my website for some great recipes!
• Make sleep a priority. Studies show that when we’re tired, we’re 25% hungrier. Why? Our bodies produce more of the hormone ghrelin when we’re tired. Ghrelin is the hormone that tells your body that you’re hungry. If you tend to stay up too late, you could be multiplying the negative effects of nighttime cravings.  Having a routine that prepares you for sleep, and sticking to a consistent bedtime that gives you 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep can help you kick the habits that contribute to nighttime snacking.

Holistic Health Coaching supports you in ALL areas of your life. Life affects your food and food affects your life. Practice these tips and the ones in last week’s blog to get to the root cause of your snacking and help beat your nighttime cravings!