We have heard for years that to control our weight, it is better to avoid eating anything after dinner – that our metabolism slows down and that snack(s) that we consume after that will hang around longer than we would like, draped across our stomachs and thighs.
That is probably the healthiest way to approach eating – nothing after dinner, and to eat more earlier in the day. Breakfast like a king, Lunch like a prince, and Dinner like a pauper as the saying goes.
Which is actually pretty sound advice. And for those of us that aren’t all that fond of a big breakfast – or don’t have the time for it – having your biggest meal at lunchtime can be helpful as well. Your body is still in burn mode at that time of the day.
I’ve also read several articles lately about sweets, and that it is actually NOT a terrible thing to have them, but to be sure to eat them early in the day – breakfast or lunch – than saving them for after dinner. I know I FEEL better when I eat sweets early in the day. It also makes getting to sleep easier without all that extra glucose running around through your system!
If you crave snacks after dinner and are looking for ways to change that behavior, you could try drinking a big glass of water, and then brushing your teeth. The water will make you feel full, and after getting your mouth nice and clean, it is less tempting to put those potato chips in there…
Engaging in activities that hold your attention can help too. Go for an evening walk after you finish the dishes, or take up a hobby like scrap-booking.
If you still find that you want to eat a snack, here is some advice from the Biggest Losers:
1. Wraps using a small low-carb tortilla with veggies and humus or grilled chicken (hold the mayo!).
2. Sugar-free hot chocolate.
3. Sliced apple with peanut butter.
4. Low-fat popcorn, or air-popped with butter spray.
5. smoked salmon on a whole grain rye cracker (that is ONE cracker, not the box!).
Are you a night-time snacker?
