How to Prevent a P.M. Snack Attack!
The problem with late-night eating is that it tends to go on and on and on, which means that calories pile up and up and up. Some of my clients actually eat more than half their day's calorie allotment in the hours after dinner. Here's how to combat it.
Q: Should I not eat anything after 8 p.m. if I want to lose weight?
A: It's not a bad idea to close down the kitchen around this time, but not for the reasons you might think. Your body burns calories 24/7, so whether you eat most of your food earlier in the day or later, it won't make a difference on the scale — if you eat the same specific number of calories each day.
The real problem with late-night eating is that it tends to go on and on and on, which means that calories pile up and up and up. Some of my clients actually eat more than half their day's calorie allotment in the hours after dinner. Also, cravings seem to be at their fiercest in the evening, so the type of food you eat at this time is generally the worst.
The best ways to combat after-dinner eating are to make sure you eat enough during the day, and to brush, floss, and gargle immediately after dinner. If you don't believe me, just try eating popcorn, chips, or just about any other food right after you've given yourself a fresh, minty mouth. Ick!