Craving a snack around bedtime is a habit of most people, especially those who struggle with weight. Often times, these cravings are brought on by boredom, stress or tiredness, according to eatright.org. When you give in to the urge to have a snack or another meal after dinner, you will be increasing your calorie intake for the day, leading to weight gain. Although a common habit which is hard to shake off, there are tips you can use to curb those nighttime cravings.
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Stock up on protein
Having a decent portion of protein in your diet such as poultry, Greek yoghurt, legumes and nuts help to keep your metabolism up as they make you feel fuller faster and longer, according to Health Digest.
Also, it's perfectly fine to eat a high-protein snack or sip on protein shakes at bedtime. This habit can speed up post-workout recovery and help you burn more calories in the morning.
Plan your meal
Having a plan of what to eat including healthy snacks can help reduce the chances that you will eat on impulse and make poor food choices, according to Healthline. Having a meal plan can also reduce any anxiety about how much you are eating and help you spread your food throughout the day, keeping hunger under control. If you are looking to save on food, meal planning is useful in that regard as well.
No screen time when eating
Eating in front of a TV, laptop or while browsing on your phone could encourage mindless eating and increased food intake. These activities, done while eating, can reduce feelings of satiety because of the distraction. Your body is unable to signal the brain about being full, making you want to eat more.
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