So many of us move from the dinner table (assuming you didn't eat in front of the TV) to the couch. Many also continue their eating at that point. Being sedentary, plus the continued snacking into the evening is wrecking havoc on your body.
Eating late at night will affect your weight, your blood pressure, can cause acid reflux and can put you at risk for some diseases (ex: heart disease & diabetes)
When should I stop eating? I get asked this question quite often. The timing of a meal, not just what you eat, will impact your health and your weight.
When in the office I talk to clients about their body's clock, their circadian rhythm, and when is the best time for them to eat. The mindless nighttime snacking often happens when we are not paying attention to our body's cues.
It's very key to:
1.Pay attention to your hunger cues
When you are reaching for that late night snack is it out of hunger? Perhaps it's just a habit that goes along with reaching for the remote control. Stop and ask yourself if you are hungry prior to opening the cabinet/fridge.
2.Eat a good dinner
Make sure you are eating enough at dinner. If you are eating a satisfying dinner then you should not be hungry in the evenings. You don't want to correlate binging on your favorite show with binging on food. Fill up on veggies, have a well rounded meal with lean proteins, veggies, whole grains, good fats and fruit (great for dessert!)
3.Sleep!
I can't stress this enough. Getting the right amount of sleep is absolutely essential to maintaining your healthy weight and lifestyle. Staying up late will end up giving you more opportunities to raid the fridge. You don't need to watch those old reruns or the latest on Netflix when it's already 11pm. Go to bed!
4.Brush your teeth
I know it seems ridiculous, but brushing (and flossing!) right after your meal will truly shut down your cravings. I eat a lot of garlic and salt and it makes me think I am hungry when I really am just craving those particular items. I am not actually hungry. I kill the flavor in my mouth by brushing and it truly helps. Plus, flossing is such a hassle I wouldn't want to eat and have to do it again.
If you would like someone to coach you and hold you accountable as you make the shift into a healthier lifestyle, give me a call (561)409-2137. You can also check out my website to learn more about me and how I can help you feel and look your best.
