This post originally appeared onSummer Tomato.
For these reasons, more than at any other time of day our evening actions are guided by habit.
Stopping doesn’t even occur to us.
We just continue until the cookies are gone, or the carton is empty.
It makes sense that these late night eating habits are particularly difficult to kick.
So what should we do?
It isn’t because you’re too weak to overcome these temptations.
You’re just acting out a script because your brain is tired.
Never forget that habits can and will be reprogrammed if you attack them correctly.
This means eating something satisfying and nutritious that you really enjoy.
Practicing mindful eating habits at dinner is another way to bolster your willpower.
Unlike at breakfast or lunch, most of us have nothing important to do after dinner.
Once you’ve restored some willpower and cut your cravings you have a fighting chance at breaking the habit.
The next step is identifying the cue that triggers you to start snacking.
Is it the couch, the TV, an emotion, boredom, procrastination, or something else?
There is some need that you are filling by snacking after dinner.
Knowing what kicks off your habit can help you create an alternate plan of action.
You must also identify the reward you are getting by carrying out the habit.
If you are eating a satisfying dinner, the reward is unlikely to be the food itself.
Then the reward isn’t the ice cream.
If you’re looking for comfort, warm herbal tea or a hot bath can be a wonderful substitute.
Better yet, avoid late night work altogether.
The first few days are tough, but at around the fifth day cravings tend to subside.
The most effective way to disperse cravings is by distracting yourself with other activities.
Remove all thetrigger foodsfrom the house.
Even simply brushing your teeth after dinner can make late night eating less appealing.
Too lazy to walk up the stairs to your bathroom?
Store an extra toothbrush and tube of toothpaste downstairs for the occasion.
Remember that the goal here isn’t to prevent yourself from eating things you enjoy.
We just want to double-check that all your indulgences are conscious decisions that are actually worth it.
Image adapted fromRon Leishman(Shutterstock).
Photos byFilter Collective(Flickr) andMichelle Tribe(Flickr).
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