5 Ways to Not Get Fat at Night
April 16, 2010, By Craig J. Heimbuch 0 comments
2. Earn It
Much in the same way as replacing or delaying an unhealthy snack until I have eaten something healthy, we decided that I could have a snack only after I had done 50 push-ups and 100 crunches. If I wanted it, I had to earn it. I found the brief bouts of exercise – it took no more than 5 minutes while watching TV – cut my cravings and then the 32 oz of water polished it off. Plus, I got the benefit of a little exercise, which helped me sleep better and ended the day on a positive note.
3. Hire a Lifeguard
My late night snacking was doing bad things to my health, which, ultimately, would lead to serious problems. To help stave off an unfortunate early death, I asked my wife to be my lifeguard. I told her to remind of the rules every time she heard me going to the pantry late at night. And at first, I resented her telling me not to snack or to do my crunches and drink my water first, but eventually I came to think of her as a training partner, a spotter who has my back and appreciated her for doing it.
4. Stay Busy
TV is a time and inhibition suck for me. If I’m sitting still and not either reading or writing, chances are I’m stuffing chips in my mouth. So, I try to use my nervous energy to positive effect late at night. Sometimes that means doing the grocery shopping – and buying healthy snack options – or doing the quiet chores that won’t wake up the kids. Getting things done feels good and is a great diversion from food.
5. Go to Bed
I may stay up late, but that doesn’t mean I should. I never – at least that I know – eat when I’m asleep. Plus, I’m less likely to hit snooze if I’ve had my seven and a half hours for the night. And I’m more likely to start the day with breakfast, which helps regulate my eating throughout the day. So, when all else fails, set the TiVo, put the laptop down and go to bed. It’s safer for everyone that way.
I haven’t conquered the demons that lead me to eat yet, but I’ve learned to prevent myself from adding new ones to the pile with a midnight pantry raid. The first step is to admit it to yourself that binge eating is a problem and then try to figure out a way to fix it.
