Snack attack
August 24, 2003 | 12:00am
Do you have a scoop of ice cream before bed? Or do you grab a chocolate bar at 3 p.m.? For many, snacking is the ultimate feel-good ritual, one that calls for the perfect time, location and of course a treat.
While snacking of this sort can pack on the pounds, smart snacking can actually help you lose weight. Eating a snack every three hours helps you resist the urge to overeat later on.
Here are some tips on how you can turn your snacking style into weight-loss success.
• Keep a food journal so you can be aware of how much and how often you eat much.
• Set limits to where you have your snack, i.e., only in the kitchen or in the dining room. Studies have shown that people who eat when their minds are elsewhere (such as the computer or TV) tend to eat 15 percent more than people who eat alone and free of distractions.
• If you work before a computer most of the time and are tempted to snack more, try sipping water. It may make you less prone to unmindful snacking.
• People who snack at night are often bored or stressed. If this is true for you, find something else to fill your time. Read or find anything that will keep you busy.
• If you crave more often than not, try to consciously examine your cravings. Ask yourself: "Am I eating because I think I’m hungry or am I denying myself of food because I think I shouldn’t have it?" Research has shown that eating food you crave for will reduce your desire for it. Just have a small bite of it. This might prevent you from craving it.
• Those who are very busy tend to skip meals or grab something quick at a fast-food. Skipping meals may show down your metabolism and eating fast-food often is not healthy.
It is best to plan your day and your meals. If you know that you are going to have a busy day, prepare your meals and your snacks. Bring some cereal, fruit, or whole wheat bread. With this there’s no need to skip meals. You’ll still have the energy to get your work accomplished.
Research has shown that compared to other types of snackers, meal skippers tend to be the most overweight.
Meal skippers need to discover new patterns so as not to overeat and thus gain weight.
Eat frequently in small, moderate amounts. This will boost your metabolism and help you lose weight.
(E-mail me at babyjackster@yahoo.com)
While snacking of this sort can pack on the pounds, smart snacking can actually help you lose weight. Eating a snack every three hours helps you resist the urge to overeat later on.
Here are some tips on how you can turn your snacking style into weight-loss success.
• Keep a food journal so you can be aware of how much and how often you eat much.
• Set limits to where you have your snack, i.e., only in the kitchen or in the dining room. Studies have shown that people who eat when their minds are elsewhere (such as the computer or TV) tend to eat 15 percent more than people who eat alone and free of distractions.
• If you work before a computer most of the time and are tempted to snack more, try sipping water. It may make you less prone to unmindful snacking.
• People who snack at night are often bored or stressed. If this is true for you, find something else to fill your time. Read or find anything that will keep you busy.
• If you crave more often than not, try to consciously examine your cravings. Ask yourself: "Am I eating because I think I’m hungry or am I denying myself of food because I think I shouldn’t have it?" Research has shown that eating food you crave for will reduce your desire for it. Just have a small bite of it. This might prevent you from craving it.
• Those who are very busy tend to skip meals or grab something quick at a fast-food. Skipping meals may show down your metabolism and eating fast-food often is not healthy.
It is best to plan your day and your meals. If you know that you are going to have a busy day, prepare your meals and your snacks. Bring some cereal, fruit, or whole wheat bread. With this there’s no need to skip meals. You’ll still have the energy to get your work accomplished.
Research has shown that compared to other types of snackers, meal skippers tend to be the most overweight.
Meal skippers need to discover new patterns so as not to overeat and thus gain weight.
Eat frequently in small, moderate amounts. This will boost your metabolism and help you lose weight.
(E-mail me at babyjackster@yahoo.com)
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