4 Superheroic Steps to Stop Snacking!

Editor’s Note: I am off preaching the good word of geek fitness at Awesome-Con this week, so I have asked the geektastic Mike Sweetman, from Be A Healthy Geek, to step in and shares his thoughts on how to stop snacking late at night… Take it away Mike!

It’s after supper, and I just can’t stop myself from heading to the cupboards for even more food.

This was me every night – I’d head to bed feeling defeated, and wake up tired because of all the food I’d ate late at night. It took me a lot of reflection and research, but I managed to defeat my personal super villain.

And I know you can too…

Step 1: Start Your Stop Snacking Adventure Early!

So how exactly do you stop snacking in the evenings?

Well, for me overcoming snacking wasn’t about what I needed to do in the evening, it’s what I needed to do in the morning.

I find I am much more likely to feel full, and not feel the need to snack in the evenings, if I have started my day with a big breakfast.

By big, I mean big on healthy calories including, macro-nutrient rich carbohydrates (aka vegetables), low fat protein, and healthy fats like omega 3.

One of my favorite foods to eat for breakfast is hemp hearts. Hemp hearts include both healthy fats and protein. In addition, hemp hearts actually have very little taste themselves, so when mixed with fruit like bananas and kiwi, you get a quick supercharged breakfast, that also tastes great.

Step 2: Hulking Hydration

Many people I’ve talked to believe they drink enough water, but few actually know how much to drink. It’s recommended that you drink two litres or about 68 ounces for every 100 pounds of weight.

Don’t float away….

This is most likely a goal you’ll need to build up to. But how you consistently drink that much water? I have goals to drink one litre by certain points of the day. So, during my commute to work, which happens to be an hour long drive, I drink one litre. Before lunch I drink one litre of water. I also drink one litre of water during my afternoon at work, and one more on the way home.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of drinking water check out this post here.

Step 3: Use Magic Potions

Protein Powder Potion

If I find that for some reason after supper I am still hungry I will often mix up a quick sugarless protein shake. I make this magic potion with water, and perhaps a little squeeze of lemon juice, and given a bit of time it always curbs my appetite.

If you are interested in learning more about the type of protein powder I use, then once you’re finished reading this post, click here.

The Green Potion

Another way to curb your appetite is by drinking tea after supper.

I am actually a big fan of what is called bulletproof green tea. For me this is a mix of decaffeinated green tea, and one tablespoon of virgin coconut oil. The green tea is decaffeinated, so it’ll help hydrate you, and the high-quality fat in the coconut oil should also help make you feel satisfied and full. (It must be said though, that I do not embrace bulletproof coffee, and I do not promote replacing any of your meals with bulletproof green tea or coffee.)

The Elixir of Life

The elixir of life is simply vegetable juice.

However, I’m not talking about V8. I want you to try fresh vegetable juice made from your very own juicer. I enjoy a mixture of carrots, tomatoes, beets, spinach, and lemon, but there are many better tasting recipes that can be found for free online.

But how does vegetable juice help you stop snacking?

Well because you are drinking something so incredibly packed with nutrients, your body is more deeply satisfied, and you should feel less hungry. I’ve just recently got back to consistent juicing, and I’ve noticed I just don’t feel as hungry during the day. I like to have my juice first thing in the morning with breakfast, but whatever works for you!

Step 4: Use your Psychic Powers to Reflect!

It has been my experience that even after following steps 1 to 3 you’re still going to find yourself raiding the fridge in the evening… but why?

You’re not hungry. But your brain is on auto pilot. You’ve programmed it to remember, every night you need to have a snack.

So now you need to break that habit! Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit” suggests that you need to figure out what triggers your snacking habit. Once you understand what is triggering your habit then you can set about reprogramming your brain.

Find the trigger!

Perhaps you snack because you desire a positive experience after a stressful day? Why not replace snacking, with calling a friend to talk about the latest Star Wars comic, or playing an old video game for nostalgia purposes?

I’m sure you can think of many activities to replace the snacking habit with, but the key is to realize that you may want to snack even if you aren’t hungry. Your snacking problem may come from emotional issue that you need to confront.

This isn’t easy, and I’m no expert, but just coming to this realization can be a life changer.

Get Started!

I often read blog posts or listen to podcasts, and agree with what is being suggested. However, I simply don’t take action.

So, I want you to think about how you’re going to take action right now?

Put hemp hearts on your grocery list, order the book “The Power of Habit,” or if you’re short on cash like me, you can at least start making a list of reasons why you think you snack at night.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to take action, and get started now!

If you’d like to read more about my experiences with getting healthy, and staying geeky, head on over to the Be A Healthy Geek Facebook page.

When I’m not failing at rolling dice, or teaching my girls the way of the Jedi, it’s where I share all my content!

And of course at Be A Healthy Geek too!

Got any tips for avoiding unnecessary snacking? Let’s hear them in the comments!

(Photo #1 credit)