Helloooo Tushkateers! How are you on this most amazing day? “What’s amazing about it,” you ask? Well, for one thing, the sun, the clouds, the wind, the birds, the air, the water–all elements are freely flowing–and we get to enjoy and rejoice in all of it–again! Whoa, I am in a good mood! And it’s not all due to the amount of coffee I’ve ingested! I’m still high from the weekend.
As I’d mentioned, I was participating in the Tucson Open Studio Tour, and I’m still flying high from all the fun, friends and fabulous’ness of it all. A shout out and big thank you to all who came by to say “hey” and a special shout out to Amy who traveled 2 hours to see it all (me, OLofWL, the art–both mine and my studio mates). It was serious fun, and I am seriously grateful from the top of my head on down! Thank you for enhancing my life!
I’m also feeling mighty inspired, because I spoke to one of my star clients this morning. The conversation motivated and inspired both of us (which is often the case), and I thought it was useful to share some tips on the topic with y’all, right NOW, because it was on a topic that is near and dear to most of us. Nighttime eating!
Read on with particular attention to Tip #4. I, personally, have a variety of arts n’ crafts supplies on my den coffee table ALL THE TIME, much to the annoyance of a certain person who is neater than I, who will not be named, but whose initials are PW! It is my HABIT (one that I purposely cultivated) to doodle away the nighttime eating urge (with my watercolor pencils) or crochet the urges out of existence. A jigsaw puzzle would work, too! I purposely leave them out so that I don’t have to set up anything or put away anything; making it easier to channel the nighttime urges into art (if you want to call it that!). There’s no pressure here about creating anything that one might consider real art, good, interesting, or whatever. I’m simply keeping my mind and hands busy, doing something that feeds my soul. Understand? If not and you want more information, feel free to ask!
Now, without further ado…
10 Ways to Curb, Conquer and Control Nighttime Eating
1. Awareness First. Nighttime is often a vulnerable time of day. You might be tired. You may have said, “No, thank you,” numerous times throughout your day, and you’re worn down. It could be, more likely than not, that this is the first time that you are able to focus on your personal life and it’s bringing up anxiety. Know that you are not alone. We could all (me especially) blow a day of healthful eating within 10 minutes of nighttime snacking! Just knowing what to expect is helpful.
2. Keep Low-Fat, Low-Cal Snacks on Hand. It seems that our evening meals and snacks are higher in fat than breakfast or lunch, so it is especially important to make healthy nighttime choices. Perhaps some air popped popcorn, or a 1/2 cup of low-fat ice cream, or a little bit of protein.
3. Late Night Tea. Brew yourself a pot of delicious, decaffeinated tea and make it your end of night ritual. Nothing passes through your lips after the tea!
4. Get Creative. Like to knit, crochet, and/or cut & paste? Keeping your hands busy is helpful. The trick is to set up your ‘craft’ ahead of time. Just like you plan your meals; plan your after dinner activity. If you don’t have the yarn and crochet hook right there, next to the sofa, you are likely to take reach for food instead.
5. Get Busy. Many people eat at night because they are bored. Take a dance class or join a book club. Make your nights fun and interesting. Get out of the house!!! Socialize.
6. Turn Television Commercials Off. If seeing food is a trigger, mute the food commercials, switch the channel or turn it off!
7. Eat Breakfast. One study after the other shows that those who skip breakfast end up eating more calories by the end of the day.
8. Take A Breath. Step outside and breath some fresh air for a few minutes.
9. Stretch It Out. If you are watching TV, stand up, sit down and shake it all about! Get on your stationary bike or the treadmill.
10. Play Musical Chairs. Sometimes the simple act of ‘moving,’ ‘moves’ a craving, ‘moves’ a mood. Moving changes your internal state. Move from one chair to another.
If you have any tips to share, any helpful thoughts on the topic, please feel free to joinOur Lady of Weight Loss’s Club: Kick in the Tush Club/FB
Spread the word–NOT the icing!
Janice Taylor
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