Escaping Snack Attacks

Do you eat between meals or snack after 7 p.m. because “you just gotta munch” during your favorite t.v. program?  I do, but it took me a while to realize it wasn’t when I was munching that was killing my hour glass figure, but what I was shoving into my mouth.

Healthy snacking will actually help you lose weight and control those nasty cravings.  And no, there’s no need to feel minutely guilty about it either, that is, as long as you stay away from those vending machines filled with candy and salty treats.  Baby carrots will go a long way not only because they contain a fiber that fills you up, they’re nutritional punch is mega.  A cupful alone offers your daily supply of vitamin A. 

Try not to fill yourself up with drinks that can be more harmful than good like fruit juices and soda.  The sugar alone is disastrous.  Try a low-sodium vegetable juice.  One to two glasses a day will drop an average 4 pounds in a 12 week period.  Water is a steadfast filler-upper along with a cold glass of milk.  You can even switch it up with a little dark chocolate syrup for an added treat.

We all crave sweets and trying to resist them will only leave you feeling deprived.  The key again is dark chocolate, less than an ounce and savoring it slowly.  A little will truly go a long way.

If you’re the type of muncher who loves chips, stick to a 1-ounce portion of the baked variety.  You’ll still get the crunch you’re looking for and reduce the sodium going into your system drastically.   Better yet, almonds offer the same crunch and protein as well as pistachio nuts … and they taste awesome too.

And lastly, if the vending machine tempts the heck out of you, select a Peppermint Patty that generally packs only about 140 calories, Fig Newtons that offer a few grams of fiber or Sun Chips with a source of whole grain and fiber.