5 Tips to Stop Snacking
While this small joke may bring a smile to most people’s face for its wittiness and charm, the reality is that it’s an all too true reality for many Americans today. Here in the land of prosperity and success linger the harsh consequences of excess. Granted, while we still struggle with poverty and hunger here in our country at an ever significant level, the average American is fortunate enough to have a mind-boggling number of resources available to them. From sit-downs restaurants, fast-food, grocery stores, corner stores, office parties, and personal pantries and fridges stocked with all our favorite goodies, it’s easy to see how surrounded we are by food. For this reason a large percentage of Americans suffer from obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Most people say that boredom is the number one reason they snack and eat throughout the day. Here are a few simple things you can do to start changing habits that may be encouraging your body to crave food throughout the day.
- If you absolutely must have high-calorie snacks nearby, the best thing to do is to store them in opaque containers. If you can’t see it, you’ll be less tempted by it.
- Keep healthy foods and snacks like fruits and nuts out in plain sight. If you can see it, you’ll be more inclined to graze on a healthier alternative.
- Change the way you shop for groceries. Don’t buy ready-to-eat items. Already prepared food or frozen entrees will likely encourage overeating. Having to prepare a whole meal by combining select ingredients will prevent you from overgrazing.
- You can outlast your craving. Cravings build and beg to be satisfied but they will only go away the more you say no to them. You’ll find it gets easier.
- Don’t skip meals. Often people have the misconception that if they don’t eat, they will lose weight. While Initial weight loss might be experienced, in the long run the body becomes malnourished due to the lack of energy and nutrition being given to it. It is better to be healthy than to lose weight off the scale. You’ll have more energy and will be better able to say no to those unhealthy cravings when they arise.
