How to Fight the Munchies

Practical Tips to Avoid Taking in the Extra Calories

Today I wanted to share with you some of the tricks I tell my clients to use to avoid bad snacking. Eating a healthy snack in between meals can actually be good for you. It helps prevent overeating at lunch and dinner, and could help keep your digestive system active, thus helping you lose weight faster.
The below “tricks” are there to help you avoid the type of snacking that packs a calorie punch. For example, snacks like candies, sodas, fast food, desserts, etc.

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Feel free to modify any of these tips to fit your own needs.

Brush your teeth and tongue after every meal
Brushing your teeth triggers your brain to know that eating time is over. You are less likely to eat anything once your mouth is clean.

Carry strong mints
This is my favorite! Sucking on strong mints helps turn off taste buds on your tongue, thus turning off the eating trigger when you see something tempting. It’s amazing how a cookie tastes so different (and plain) after chewing a strong mint. Go ahead. Try it!

Drink plenty of water
Water helps keep you feeling full and less likely to snack or overeat. Avoid soda. Studies have shown that soda (regular or diet) could encourage overeating, so drink plenty of water.

Chew sugar-free gum
Same effect as strong mints (although I think strong mints are more effective – just my personal opinion)

Don’t bring it inside your house / office
You are more likely to snack on not-so-good options if you have access to them. So, avoid falling into this trap. Simply keep the bad snacks outside your house / office. Think “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”

Must buy snacks? Then opt for portion control - get the 100-Calorie packs and stick to eating only one pack (try brushing your teeth, drinking water, and chewing on Altoids afterward)

Stock up on the good stuff
Fresh fruit, granola bars, nuts and seeds, trail mixes, peanut butter, protein bars and shakes are some suggestions. Of course there are plenty of other healthy options. Just remember to watch your portions and be mindful of the fat, sugar, and sodium levels.

Never go food shopping hungry
You are more likely to buy more of the already-prepared food / snacks when you shop hungry compared to buying healthier choices when you shop while full.

Prepared food usually have more calories and sodium than home-cooked healthy meals. Don’t have time to eat before food shopping? Eat a 100-Calorie snack, brush your teeth, drink a big glass of water, and chew an Altoids.

Got an effective tip to help fight the munchies? Please send it over and I will include it on my next email - with credit to you of course!

I hope you find this article helpful. As always feel free to reach me with any questions or comments.

Happy Healthy Transformation!

Your Trainer