Overcoming Bad Snacking Tip #1: Identify Why You Snack
When you know the reason why you snack when you know you should not, it is easier to avoid. For me, snacking on junk food late at night when I watched a movie or television was a way for me to stay awake. Sounds strange, but if I fell asleep, then I would not finish my movie or TV program. Snacking always kept me alert and busy so I would not fall asleep. It had nothing to do with my being hungry. When I realized this was an example of emotional eating, I found ways to overcome it.
Overcoming Bad Snacking Tip #2: Find An Alternative
Once you have identified the reasons why you snack when you know you shouldn't, make a list of things you can do to replace the habit of snacking. The thought of you not being able to snack may not be appealing at first, but once you get used to not having the snack, you will not even crave it anymore. I keep a stress ball with me when I watch TV and movies late at night. When I squeeze the ball, it keeps my hands busy and keeps me alert enough not to fall asleep.
If you truly are hungry, alternatives to snacking on junk food can be other foods, as long as they are healthy. What happens when you drink a bottle of water? You don't feel so hungry, right? The next time you feel the urge to rip open a bag of Doritos, drink some water first. Then if you are still hungry, grab a protein bar or a small bag of soy nuts. Healthy snacks fill you up just as much as junk food without wreaking havoc on your blood sugar.
Overcoming Bad Snacking Tip #3: Don't Go To The Grocery Store Hungry
You have probably heard of this trick before, and for good reason. It works like a charm. Simply put, if you do not have junk food within reach, then you will not be able to eat it. When you go to the grocery store to do your shopping, do it right after you have eaten a meal. This way you will avoid buying junk food you might have otherwise been hungry for. Stay away from anything that says fat-free. Just imagine what kinds of unhealthy things they have to put in a block of cheese to make it fat-free. And it tastes horrible, so why bother? Simply reduce portions of low-fat items to keep your fat intake in check.
Overcoming Bad Snacking Tip #4: Eat Smaller Meals Frequently
If you are the type of person who eats three huge meals every day, you will have a more difficult time losing weight than a person who eats six smaller meals throughout the day. Not only does it keep you feeling full all day long, but you also will be less likely to eat a huge plate of unhealthy food when you sit down. Frequently eaten healthy meals will eliminate your desire to snack on junk foods, and the days of stuffing yourself until your seams burst will be long gone.
