With Memorial Day quickly approaching, it reminds me summer will be here soon. While I welcome warmer weather, I dread getting beach ready.
Every year as I age, it becomes harder and harder to shed the few pounds I gain during winter. Most of that weight is a result of snacking.
To stop snack attacks and get beach ready, I follow these healthy tips.
1- Get plenty of rest
If I don’t sleep well, I tend to snack during the day to stay awake. And that snacking is relying heavily on sugar products … a big NO when trying to shed weight.
Distractions during the night wake me up, resulting in poor sleep quality. To minimize distractions, my pet’s bed is now relocated out of my bedroom into another room.
Honestly, I think we both sleep better since this change.
2- Replace processed snacks with healthy ones
With the local farmers’ market restarting its season, it’s easier to replace processed snacks with fresh fruits and vegetables.
When grocery shopping, I resist the urge to go down the cookie and snack isles.
Instead, I go immediately to the produce section to purchase natural snacks such as grapes, strawberries, and blueberries. I also like to snack on sliced green peppers and cherry tomatoes.
3- Increase water intake
While I typically drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water, I’ve increased it to ten.
Drinking water keeps me full longer. By sipping water all day, I minimize my desire to snack.
4- Stop eating two hours before bedtime
For the most part, I stop eating two hours before bedtime. This action allows me to digest my food before going to sleep.
It helps me sleep better and controls my snack attacks. I realized anything I would eat before going to bed was processed and loaded with sugar (e.g., ice cream, chocolates, cake, etc.).
Initially, I missed my high-sugar snacks. But after a week, I tend not to crave it — probably because I’m replacing it with healthier options.
Yes, I would make life easier if I didn’t snack as much during the winter months – but how can you binge-watch Netflix without snacking?
(Update to original post from April 28, 2017)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”