Where do you snack? Do you snack in the car, in front of the TV, in front of the computer or at your desk? Usually, these feeding frenzies are mindless and people tend to consume almost 600 calories a day from mindless snacking. It may seem like the odds are stacked against you.
With so many choices and chances to dig in, it may seem impossible to control your snack-attack urge. But with these six tips, you can take charge of your snacking temptations and keep your weight in-check.
More: Tips to Lose Weight With a Balanced Diet
Eat More During the Day
Don't fall into that trap of depriving yourself calories all day long only to give into snacking ravenously at the end of the night. How you eat is just as important as what you eat. Instead of making coffee and donuts your breakfast of champions, start your day off right with a nutritious breakfast. Oatmeal, eggs, Greek yogurt are all choices that will set your day off to a good start. Snack as needed, but it's best to bring your own snacks to avoid caving to that cookie in the local coffee shop at 3 p.m.
More: Grazing: How to Eat Yourself Healthy With Mini Meals
Avoid After-Work Munchies
It's normal to come home and revel in the comfort of another workday completed. Unfortunately, many of us take that time to snack-up before dinner. It's perfectly fine to eat when you get home, but dinner is the best option. If you can't hold off until then, make your snacks healthy. Nuts, granola or whole grain toast with peanut butter. Whatever you prefer, just be sure it's not chips and guacamole, chocolate or ice cream. Make your hard work in the gym pay off and choose smart snack foods.
Defeat the Road-Warrior Snack Trap
If you travel a lot for work or you just find yourself on a road trip, make sure you pack your own snacks. Relying on the local convenience store for healthy options will likely derail your diet for the day. Pack peanuts, baby carrots or apples. You'll be sure to enjoy a snack that is healthy, light and won't leave you regretting your snack decision later.
More: Road Food: 5 Nutrition Tips to Follow When You Travel
Work at Home, But Don't Eat Like You're at Home
This one is tricky because it's just you, your work and your fridge. You may be tempted to graze all day long and before you know it, you've consumed well over the amount of calories you need for the day. A great trick is to have a dedicated office to work in and schedule your day at home like you would in an office. Take a structured lunch break and break for a healthy midday snack.
Remember: Office Calories Count
Nevermind the donuts and coffee, if your office is like a feast of treats then you may be in for a challenge all day long. However, you don't have to succumb to temptation. Again, having a plan is key. Bring your own food to work and keep your snacks in your line of sight so you will remember to eat them when hunger strikes. Also, keep the bad foods out of sight. The age old saying "out of sight, out of mind" definitely applies here.
More: The Diet Detective: How Many Calories Are You Eating?
Beware of the Kids
You don't need to avoid the kids, but you will need to avoid their sugary snacks if you want to maintain your diet. Kids love foods loaded with sugar, fat and calories—don't we all. Again, employ the out of sight, out of mind philosophy to avoid munching on your little one's treats. And don't leave your kids out of your healthy eating lifestyle. Ensure they eat a balanced diet that includes healthy snacks as a way to keep them healthy and help you keep your diet on track.
More: Getting Your Kids Excited About Nutrition
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