Break That Snacking Habit with These Expert Tips

It’s 8 p.m., and you’re enjoying your favorite TV show or cozied up on the couch with a good book. Then, you get up and find yourself standing in the kitchen, reaching for a handful of chips or a couple of cookies.

If this sounds like an all-too-familiar scene in your life, you’re not alone. Mindless snacking is a habit many of us deal with daily, whether sitting at the office (or home office), perusing social media, or even snuggling up in bed.

Cutting back on snacking can drastically impact your daily calorie intake. In fact, a 2011 study found that Americans consume an excess of 580 calories a day compared to 360 in the late 1970s. Think about that — that’s an extra 4,060 calories a week! That means all that mindless munching can significantly impact weight loss.

Thankfully, there are ways you can cut back on snacking. We rounded up five expert tips to help you break that snacking habit for good.
 

1) Empty the cupboards of junk food.

If you open the pantry or cupboard and are immediately inundated with a colorful array of bags of chips, candy and cookies, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Get rid of all those empty calorie producers and nix them from any future grocery lists. The age-old adage, “Out of sight, out of mind,” really does work. Don’t make it more challenging to fight the temptation.
 

2) Guzzle a glass of water.

Sometimes we snack because we’re bored. Other times it’s because we’re craving something in particular. It’s rarely because we are truly hungry. Whenever you feel the urge to snack, fill a glass of water. Drink that down first, take a breath, and see how you feel. Chances are, you’ll fill yourself up and will be less likely to reach for that snack.
 

3) Go for a walk or get some exercise.

You may be using snacking as a coping method for stress or anxiety. Exercise is a way better option! Studies show that regular physical activity, anything from walking to yoga, works wonders in managing our mental wellness. Instead of munching, take a few laps around the block (or house), sit on the floor and do some yoga, or (if you’re feeling extra ambitious) pull up a workout video on YouTube.
 

4) Choose healthier snack options.

Ok, yes, there will be times when you really need a snack. Instead of chips or candy, opt for more nutritious options instead. Choose fruits, nuts, low-fat yogurt, fresh vegetables or whole-grain crackers. The key is to swap the high-sugar, high-sodium snacking norms with vitamin-packed alternatives.
 

5) Eat three full meals a day.

Proper nutrition at mealtime is a vital element of avoiding snacking. If you’re not eating a full breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’re way more likely to try to fill the hunger void by munching on empty calories later in the day.

If eating three meals daily is easier said than done in your busy life, we can help! Our chef-crafted meals are portion-controlled and packed with healthy nutrition without skimping on taste. We offer five unique meal plans with delicious breakfast-lunch-dinner options delivered right to your door.


 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.