How to Combat Night Time Munchies

Heather Bauer from Nu-Train comments:

latenightsnack.jpgIt’s all too often that my clients tell me they are “good” all day and then when they settled in for the evening in front of the TV they just couldn’t hold it together any longer! Sundown snackers will grab anything that can’t run away and call it a snack. A handful of cookies, a sleeve of crackers, six ‘portion controlled’ packs of chips…. Nothing is safe! And of course the calories mount up.

Most of us do this because the evening is the only part of the day when we can really relax. The rushing around is behind us and we feel, if only subconsciously, that we deserve a reward. Also, while we may be distracted all day by overlapping demands, the evening is finally a time to call our own. Whew! Another frantic day done. Time to unwind. Time to comfort ourselves. Time to, well, eat!

Of course, excess calories are the biggest negative to evening snacking. But there are others. Late-night eating can cause you to sleep poorly and wake up tired and with a food hangover to boot.

I have a host of solutions to this common dilemma in my book, but here’s one tip that really works: the Turkey Solution. I discovered this trick myself to curb my own night time munchies.

Keep three or four quarter-pound bags of sliced turkey (from the deli) in the fridge. Choose low-sodium turkey and avoid honey-roasted, smoked or spiced turkey. Each of these ¼ pound bags will have only about 150 calories. If you’re really, truly hungry, the turkey will satisfy you (and give you a tryptophan boost which will help you sleep.) But if you’re just munching, after a few mouthfuls of turkey, you’ll call it quits.

What late-night snack buster solutions work for you? Leave your comments below.

Source:
Nu-Train

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Comments

6 Responses to “How to Combat Night Time Munchies”

  1. Kathy on May 29th, 2008 7:32 am

    At night, I like crunchy snacks so I make some turkey bacon and cook it until it is crisp.

  2. Jacqui on May 29th, 2008 8:16 am

    I always reach for Microwave or Air Popped Popcorn (The Microwave versions I get I make sure are only 20calories a cup)

    This way I can eat something crunch, and a fairly large volume without ever feeling guilty. I also somethimes grate some parmesean cheese on it, sprinkle it with hot pepper, or garlic powder. The different flavors keep me satisfied AND I get a snack that I LOVE

  3. Kaye on May 29th, 2008 8:32 am

    For a sweet fix, I go for Jell-o Sugar Free (10 calories) and 2 tablespoons of Cool Whip Free (15 calories) for a satisfying dessert without breaking the calorie bank.

  4. Charlotte on May 29th, 2008 8:40 am

    I like the ideas posted here. I also make myself a big cup of decaf tea and take time to sip it slowly. The night munchies are a big challenge for me!

  5. Julie on May 29th, 2008 12:52 pm

    Late night munchies are tough! Since I found the carmel soy crisps that is usually my choice. I try to start with a big hot steaming mug of a sugar free flavored coffee (use decaf if it keeps you up). Although I will think I am hungry what I really am is thirsty. The warmth and sweetness of the flavored coffee satisfies the need for a snack and if not then I add in the carmel soy crisps.

    Just a note of warning about popcorn. I was told by my nutritionist that popcorn converts straight to sugar! A large bag of microwave popcorn is like eating a cup of sugar. The minute I heard that out the door the popcorn went. Although it is low calorie it is not low carb.

  6. Nina on May 29th, 2008 6:07 pm

    Aren’t the nites the work?? Last nite I just munched on bran cereal out of the box…yum!!

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