How to Stop After-Meal Snacking

How to prevent after dinner snacking.

• Clean up the kitchen - put away leftovers, wash your dishes. You can’t go for seconds if the foods not there. Pack it up in Tupperware right away so you don’t grab and nibble.

• Make after-dinner plans. Nighttime eating is often due to boredom - if you have a PLAN for what you will do after dinner it will deter you from hanging out in the kitchen getting random nibbles.

• Go for a walk - not only will it keep your mind and body out of the kitchen, it will give you a bit of an energy boost for the evening, burns calories, helps with blood sugar regulation, and can be a great social activity to walk with family and friends. 

• Have a warm bath or shower - endings yourself in the comfort of a super warm and sudsy experience and indulge in self care without having to indulge in food.

• Make a nice cup of after-dinner decaffeibated or caffeine free tea or coffee to put a cap on your meal and unwind. There are tons of herbal teas to choose from - choose your favorite.

• Plan to have a before-bed snack if you like to eat before bed- that way you know psychologically that you don’t need to stuff yourself in order to last you through the night. It gives you a reason to moderate your dinner meal and gives you a yummy snack to look forward to.

• Watch some TV. Read a book. Knit. Play some board games with friends. Play some games online. Call up a friend. Call your mother. Do some crafts. Play an instrument. Listen to some music you like. If you really want to just chill, let yourself chill! At night we are tired and can try to eat to compensate for that. Allow yourself to unwind, you’ve had a long, busy day and deserve some downtime!

• Do some chores. You’re too tired to do anything too productive, and your mind is exhausted, so take advantage of that by getting a few errands around the house done. You will get your body moving and will appreciate it tomorrow.

• Plan your meals - planning out what you will eat in the future prevents us from thinking we have to eat all the food now. Plan some fun, exciting, filling, yet delicious and satisfying meals for the next day for you to look forward to.

• Have a sparkling water - zero calories, fruity flavours, and helps you feel full after your meals. This sense of fullness can help reduce our urge to overeat or continue snacking after dinner.

• Meal prep - use the time after dinner, while the oven and stove are still warm, to prepare your meals for the rest of the week. Portion into Tupperware containers for easy grabbing when you are hungry. Cut up veggies in advance for easy salads and snacks. Be proactive about your future eating habits by preparing the food you should be eating in advance.

• Go grocery shopping. Bring a list with you to ensure you only get what you need. Grocery shopping is best on a full stomach so after dinner is a great time.

• Read some magazines.

• Watch Netflix.

• Read a novel.

• Do some chores outside the house or garden. It will allow you to fully enjoy the last bit of sunshine before the end of the day, some fresh air, and invigorate you for the night ahead.

• Journal. Get out all your thoughts from the day in order to settle your mind for your upcoming ni

Let me know what tips work for you!