Are you inclined to eat even though supper is not far away? Are you incapable of relaxing and resisting the urge to eat snacks after supper?
First, you have to reflect upon the reasons that compel you to eat. It is real or fake hunger? To break this pattern of eating at night, it is necessary to try to understand the reasons behind fake hunger. Often, eating without being hungry fills a psychological need. Did you have a stressful day? Are you bored? Are you sad, disappointed, angry, frustrated, or even exhausted?
Here are a few tips to help you overcome this irresistible urge to eat:
Stop for a moment
You have identified the sensation you are feeling as fake hunger. Think about the reasons that could be behind this desire. If necessary, write down your thoughts: it will help you move on instead of dwelling on the same thoughts over and over.
Identify solutions
For example, if you understand that you want to eat because you are bored, find activities that you enjoy in order to break monotony. You could make a list of such activities and keep it readily accessible for times when fake hunger arises.
Have a strict dental hygiene
Immediately after supper, brush your teeth and floss. This healthy habit helps you move on to some other activity; without the taste of food in your mouth, it will be easier to control your desire to eat.
Set limits for yourself
Give yourself clear rules: for example, eating only at the dinner table, and not directly in the bag. This will help limit “unconscious snacking”.
Take care of yourself
Often, people who nibble at night do it to treat themselves, or as a reward at the end of a hard day. What constructive thing could you do that fill this desire? Could you take a nice, warm bath, have a pedicure, read a good book, or have a nice chat with your spouse or a friend?
And you, what are your tips?
By Marilyne Petitclerc
A Few Tips to Stop Nibbling After Supper is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
Copyright © Nautilus Plus 2013
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