For many people, the number one diet problem they struggle with on a regular basis is fighting nighttime eating. It doesn’t take much to realize that eating a bag full of potato chips or a large bowl of ice cream will add up quickly in terms of total calories added to your daily diet.
If you eat so much that you completely eliminate the calorie deficit you were hoping to achieve, your fat loss progress will stop immediately.
Eating at night is something that affects most of us at one point or another, be it stress, boredom, loneliness, or other reasons.
But, by learning what you can do to control your late night snacking, you can be sure that you can see the progress you are looking for.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the main factors to consider.
Keep busy
The first way to combat nighttime eating is to make sure you’re not home to eat. It really can be as simple as that. If you don’t have plans for the evening instead of lounging on the couch watching TV, you are simply preparing to eat when you shouldn’t.
Instead, schedule some activities during the evening hours. By doing so, you will quickly stop thinking about food and overcome this hurdle instantly.
Eat regularly throughout the day
Second, another thing you need to do to avoid eating late at night is to make sure you place your meals regularly throughout the day. If you often skip breakfast and possibly even lunch thinking that you will save calories this way, rethink that strategy.
Those who consume very few calories during the day are much more likely to overeat at night because their level of hunger is uncontrollable.
Instead, keep your hunger level low by eating small snacks and meals every three to four hours.
Schedule in a smart snack
Another smart move is to schedule an evening snack. If you know that you are always hungry later in the evening and this makes you anxious about being able to stick to your diet plan, start incorporating a late night snack into your total daily calorie intake.
Just make sure you choose wisely and go for something like lean protein and healthy fats. Natural Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese is the perfect way to end your day.
Keep your mouth busy
Last but not least, if you’re going to be home without much planning, the least you can do to avoid mindless eating is to keep your mouth occupied.
Instead, drink a cup of tea or chew gum. This way, food cannot be scooped in at the same time and that should help you maintain a lower total calorie intake.
Here are some simple but very effective ways to fight dinner night. If you come up with some of your own strategies, this problem no longer has to bother you.