How to Combat Night Time Munchies
Posted on August 12, 2009 by Glenny's There have been 12 comment(s)
Heather Bauer from Nu-Train comments:
It'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
This post was posted in Diet Q&A, Diet Tips, What's New
12 Responses to How to Combat Night Time Munchies
12 Item(s)
“I. can't. stop. eating Glenny's Apple & Cinnamon Soy Crisps. addicted! You make the best everything. <3”
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At night, I like crunchy snacks so I make some turkey bacon and cook it until it is crisp.
Posted on May 29, 2008 at 3:32 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
Posted on May 29, 2008 at 4:16 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.
Posted on May 29, 2008 at 4:32 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!
Posted on May 29, 2008 at 4:40 am
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.
Posted on May 29, 2008 at 8:52 am
Aren't the nites the work?? Last nite I just munched on bran cereal out of the box...yum!!
Posted on May 29, 2008 at 2:07 pm
What if you're a vegetarian?
I am most definitely one of those people. I'm a college student so my hours a screwy anyway. Top that off with a history of night eating and a desperateness to lose weight that's strong enough to drive me to eat 3-400 calories throughout the entire day (10-8). Not a good combo...usually by the end of the night I've racked up close to 4500!!!!
Posted on November 20, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Julie That Is NOT True. If You Eat Just Plain Popcorn No Butter Or Anything On It It Is Actually Very Health Because It Is Like Eating Corn.It Is The Microwave Bags,Extra Butter,Cheddar,Etc. That Is What Your Nutritionist Was Talking About.If It Is Plain It Is VERY VERY Healthy Last Time I Checked I Was Only 13% Fat If Dieting Is What You Are Talking About.
Posted on February 8, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Sorry Popcorn lovers, but popcorn is a tricky snack. Corn is high in sugar (for a vegetable) and EXTREMELY high in empty carbs. Carbs convert very easily to energy. That's a good thing if you're about to go for a run, bad if you're sitting in front of the TV, because energy that doesn't get used gets stored as fat.
Combine that with the fact that most popcorn is loaded with salt and butter, and it's a recipe for disaster. Air-popped corn is definitely a better popcorn choice, but you still should only eat about 1-2 cups popped.
Posted on April 6, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Night time eating is my biggest struggle. I actually started a blog because I thought pictures of my night time snacks would hold me accountable. Last night I had 3 bowls of cereal after dinner :( I find that sugar free pudding or an apple with greek yogurt is a good night time snack for me. It is hard not to go overboard though!
www.missymaintains.com
Posted on August 13, 2009 at 6:58 am
Try drinking a big glass of water then brushing your teeth. After you brush your teeth, you will not want to eat anything because you will have to brush your teeth again and the minty taste will stop you from wanting to eat. Or at least chew a piece of sugar-free gum.
Posted on August 13, 2009 at 8:56 am
I am hungry and this dosent help!!!! Me and my friend are starving!!!! THank u for the advice though plz send the recipies for them to it would help!!!!
Love,
S*N*
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 6:13 pm