If they had an Olympic event for snacking I would definitely be on the podium receiving my gold medal! This past holiday season I must have seemed as if I was in training for such an event as I do not believe an hour went by where I wasn’t eating something. Now, I’m not going to say I didn’t enjoy all of those munchies, but there comes a time when enough is enough.
If you, too, have determined to say NO to snacking (and give up your hopes for that Olympic gold medal), then here are some tips from Livestrong.com on how to avoid snacking.
- Brush your teeth. When you feel the urge to grab a snack, reach for your toothbrush instead. Be real – nothing tastes that great when it follows toothpaste.
- Avoid social media food temptations. A 2009 study by Yale University found a strong link between increased snacking and exposure to food advertisements.
- Put cravings in “time out”. When you feel the urge to snack, change your focus. Go to a different room, take a short walk, listen to some music.
- Give your food some love. Think of food according to its purpose – providing fuel and nourishment for your body. Pay attention to your food as you eat it by turning off distractions and focusing soley on the good.
- Store trigger foods out of sight. Put healthy foods, such as fruits and veggies forefront so you’ll be more likely to reach for them as opposed to that hidden bag of chips.
- Keep track of what you eat. There are several apps out there that will allow you to record what you are eating and will let you see what that high calorie snack looks like in conjunction with all your other food.
- Invite your cravings into your daydreams. A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that imagining the food you’re craving can help you feel satisfied enough to forgo it altogether.
- Make the most of your meals. Pack your meals with protein, fiber, and health fat. They provide satiety and help regulate blood sugar during and after eating.
- If you must snack, mini-size it. If you just can’t get your mind off the tempting treat, then have just a small portion. Cornell University found that just a bite can greater satisfaction than eating the whole thing.
Source: http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/1007997-9-sneaky-ways-trick-yourself-out-snacking/
It’s such an amazing post… and thanks for the tips.