Julie,
If you think of breakfast as the most important meal of the day, because of its powerful effects to rev your metabolism and set the stage for a day of healthy eating, then late-night snacking is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Our fat-burning engines go into hibernation mode when we sleep, so undigested food turns into fat.
But we all know that "no late-night snacking" is easier said than done. Here are some suggestions to curb your after-hours snack attacks:
Relax! Isn't that what the evening is all about anyway? Ask yourself if you're truly hungry, or if you're just looking for something comforting to help you wind down. Remember, "Downtime" doesn't always mean "Chowtime." A hot bath, good book, and cup of chamomile tea might just do the trick.
Sleep on it. If you aren't starving, remind yourself: You can eat as soon as you wake up! This could help you break the cycle of late-night eating and motivate you to make a delicious breakfast first thing in the morning.
Prepare for the long night ahead. If you know you're a late-night snacker and don't think you're ready to completely break that habit, set yourself up for success. Over the weekend, or at the beginning of the week, prepare a bunch of delicious snacks that will give you the pre-bedtime crunch or creamy texture you desire without all the extra calories. Here are my top favorite late-night snacks:
• Craving a creamy delight? Try Fage Greek Yogurt. With half the sugar and three times the protein of "regular" yogurt, this smooth, creamy treat is a guilt-free delight. For a sweet & tart kick, stir in some fresh raspberries and blueberries for an antioxidant and fiber boost. (And go ahead, sprinkle on some dark chocolate shavings - just not too much!)
• Screaming for ice cream? Try Skinny Cow Fudge Bars. As we talked about earlier, these 100-calorie treats are a way to satisfy a late-night craving for something creamy and sweet.
• Need to much on something with crunch? Try a caramel rice cake, and spread on a dab of peanut butter. Apple slices with peanut or almond butter are also a satisfying option.
• Making it a blockbuster night? Opt for fat-free popcorn (one bag only has 125 calories).
• Searching for comfort? Bran flakes with 1/2 cup of chocolate soy or skim milk is yummy, filling, and high in fiber and calcium.
• Want something sweet with honey on top? Hot tea can be incredibly soothing (and helpful when it comes to curbing your cravings). Try something minty, and stir in agave nectar instead of honey - it's all-natural, has a low glycemic index, and a little bit goes a long way. (Just make sure that tea is decaffeinated!)
Header
This Week's Goal: Find Your Fun Factor
As I write this, I'm in Orlando, surrounded by 3,000 ZUMBA enthusiasts. If you've never tried Zumba, picture latin dancing - set on fire - and you'll get a pretty good idea. I'm having a ball, dancing the night away with the instructors and raising money for the American Diabetes Association.
This trip has been a great reminder to have fun! Pump up the Fun Factor in your routine: try some new music, a new workout, or even a new outfit - anything that will make you smile AND sweat. Keep exercise exciting, and you'll keep coming back for more.
Header
