Weight Loss: Hunger at 2 am
By Joel Riley | August 10, 2008
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12:30 A.M. You look at the clock and decide to head to the fridge for a little snack. Satisfied, you return to bed until morning. Sound familiar? If so, then you’re one of millions who are guilty of this simple indulgence.
Midnight snacking can be a problem but it’s not a problem that can’t be fixed. It’s all about changing your behavior patterns. You can teach yourself not to raid the kitchen in the middle of the night; it might take a while and you’ll have to be persistent, but you can do it.
Some people might call “midnight snacking” a bad habit, but the truth of it is, it’s not a habit at all. Your body is trying to tell you something; it’s telling you to eat more during the day and that you should be getting more calories than what you’ve been taking in. Your body requires a certain amount of calories to sustain your body through the night and if you aren’t getting that, your belly will tell you.
One way to restrain yourself from late night munching is to eat several smaller meals during the day. In doing this, you get the calories you need and your stomach isn’t empty. It’s also healthier to eat this way than to eat a few big meals during the day.
Eating a large dinner will delay digestion and hinder your sleep. Eating a high-carb snack at bedtime, such as fruit or crackers, can help you sleep better and keep your stomach at rest until morning.
You might also try a glass of warm milk. Not only does it help you relax, but also it’ll help you feel full. Try to avoid drinking alcohol in the evening hours. While having a nightcap may help ease and calm you, it intensifies your appetite and adds needless calories to your diet.
If you think that after dinner cup of coffee is a nice relaxing part of your evening; think again. Caffeine is a stimulant and will make you restless. If you must have something to drink in the middle of the night or before bed, drink a large glass of water. This will give your stomach a full.
Sometimes water can satisfy a midnight craving. If this doesn’t work, try to read a book, or listen to some soothing music to help get you back to sleep. In time, you’ll be able to sleep soundly without being disrupted. You may not see results overnight, but your perseverance will pay off.
Topics: Nutrition |
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