Evening snack - tips on how to avoid.

Leave the situation that encourages you to snack. I used to be a terrible night snacker but broke it by physically leaving my living room (trigger spot) and doing other things - even going to bed if I needed to. Worked well, broke the habit that was years ago. Also tell yourself how dumb it is to let a "snack" be in control of you!

I know your question is for tips on how to avoid an evening snack, but the other option would be to reserve a few calories everyday for an evening snack.

I save calories for a snack every single night. It's my favorite part of the day.

If you habitually like to snack before bed, just have calories for it. I purposely snack till 11:30pm each night.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I am a shocking snacker in the night. It's boredom, tiredness, stress from work and comfort. Now with my new job, I get home later, so hubby who is now on MFP too has a vegetarian dinner on the table, and cleans up so I can eat, chill out and what crappy TV and veg out mentally, before I head to bed for an early night. I get up at 5.15am to make it for the gym early, and he's so supportive. I try to distract myself by going to bed early, latish dinner, and not keeping snackish foods in the house. I buy those Jarrah Choc-o-lait satchets of hot chocolate as a treat as they have no sugar, and I also have fruit if I am desperate. I just try to distract myself with sugar free soda, and despite what the media says, they do help me lose weight because they have few calories and stop me craving sweet juices. I struggle to drink water (I do that at the gym and at work though along with herbal teas).

I usually find that if I've eaten enough throughout the day, I don't feel as powerless over the calls of the late night snack. However, lately, I've been eating dinner between 5 and 6, so I find that I need a snack later on before bed. So I have a yogurt and sometimes some nuts.

When it comes down to fighting a craving, or saying no to a snack, you're looking at changing a behaviour pattern. You want food, so you eat food. You feel rewarded and happy. So the next time you want food, you eat food. So it continues. This isn't always a bad thing. Obviously, we need food to live. Food is still a part of our cultures and traditions. But sometimes, we don't need food. We don't even really want food, it's just a pattern. The next time that happens, don't give in to the urge. Go take a walk, read a book, turn on Netflix, have a nap, anything it takes to not give in to that craving. This shows yourself that just because you have the urge to eat, doesn't mean you need to eat.

It takes some practice, but with time you start to rebuild those patterns in your mind and learn to differentiate between hunger and habit. That's the difference between making room in your diary for a bedtime snack or learning how to go to bed without it.

I hope this is helpful. If it is something that interests you, google cognitive behavioural therapy.

I eat the vast majority of my calories at dinner. Having something really substantial for dinner means I don't get hungry at night, even if I stay up to 3am.

I always plan for an evening snack. Makes me happy!

I plan a snack every evening. I usually have a couple of hard cooked eggs and maybe some cheese or veggies and dip or some popcorn, depending on where my macros are.

there is a thread under "motivation" called "say no to late night snacking" the accountability is helpful for me. I agree that saving calories for an after dinner snack is logical. unfortunately, once i start...... so it's best for ME to not start.

oooops..... THIS month..... "say no to LNS" is under "challenges" not "motivation and support" sorry about that

If you really feel you need to cut out the need to snack, I would suggest a distraction, I know for me, I'll go read or book or I like to crochet (though I'm terrible at it, lol). However, I don't think a light snack after dinner is so bad as long as you plan for it, also, I don't know what you usually snack on but maybe just try having healthier snack options ready to go: baggies of grapes, hard boiled eggs, cold brew coffee (blend with some ice and a little milk-yum!), or get yourself some sugar free ice cream, or frozen yogurt to keep on hand, a little cup of that won't break your calorie bank and it'll satisfy that craving for something sweet!

The time between dinner and sleep is just too long for me, and I always get hungry. So either I'll plan for a snack or night time is usually when I'll have a protein shake and some cinnamon apple spice tea with honey which is good for a sweet tooth.

If you are truly hungry in the evening, then you should eat, or try eating a bigger dinner. But if you are bored, try to find ways to sooth that whether it be tea or gum or even take up knitting! Scarves for everyone!

I USED to have the same problem but I started drinking Sleepytime tea plus something else like a piece of dark chocolate or nuts

I have a cup of hot chocolate. Not a lot of calories but it kind of helps with the sweet craving. Then brush your teeth and go to bed!!