Weight gain and sleep loss are among the consequences of late night snacking. Here are ways on how to cut down on late night snacks and still get the calories you need.
A study recently published in the International Journal of Obesity among other things, says that the timing of your eating has a direct bearing on your health.
This conclusion was drawn from an experiment conducted by the Northwestern University in Illinois which found that mice fed during the day (when they were supposed to be sleeping) gained 7.8% more weight than their counterparts fed during the night (when they were supposed to be active).
The reverse should apply to human beings.
Most of us don’t eat well during the day. We are focused on work or other responsibilities so much so there isn’t much thought given to food. So, we make up for it during our leisure hours which unfortunately usually come at night.
Once we are done with our work most of us feel idle or bored or stressed. To relieve this unwelcome state, we resort to eating if we can’t find anything better to do.
Apart from weight gain, late night snacks have also proven to sabotage sleep which is essential for good health.
Here are tips you could use to cut down on late-night snacks for better health.
Eat Well During the Day
Have solid meals and add snacks at appropriate intervals. If you get all the calories you need before nightfall, you’ll not be tempted to indulge in late-night snacking.
Consume Water
If you feel hungry in the middle of the night, try drinking at lest two glasses of water. If that doesn’t give you a full feeling, opt for herbal tea without milk. You could add a little honey though to make it a concentrated drink. If you must go for solid food, consume fruits.
Avoid Junk Food
Do you snack on junk food late at night and know that it’s affecting your health? The next time you go to the neighborhood supermarket, avoid strolling into the junk food section.
If you have stocked junk food at home, you could do well to hide them. Better still, asks a family member to hide the food while you’re away.
Stay Away from Television
If you’re in the habit of snacking while viewing the idiot box, you would find yourself reaching for something to munch on to complete your viewing experience.
Food commercials may further enhance your desire to eat.
So, instead of parking yourself before the television, keep yourself active. Take a walk in the neighborhood. Clean up your study or continue a project you’ve abandoned. Do anything to take your mind off food.
Late night snacks are not necessarily harmful to your health. You’ll have to eat if you’re really hungry, but you must watch the amount of calories you’re consuming.
