Here are a few hacks to beat late-night snack cravings

Here are a few hacks to beat late-night snack cravings  21st December 2022

How often have you heard someone advise you to brush your teeth to stop late-night cravings? Brushing your teeth will magically make you feel full and prevent you from wanting to eat something that will stain your sparkling whites. Although some people find this hypothesis true, it isn't true for everyone, especially if someone has bizarre cravings in the middle of the night.

Here are some tips for overcoming late-night cravings that can help you avoid having extreme cravings in the future.

1. Have good sleeping habits:
Although you may not be familiar with the term "sleep hygiene," it is crucial for getting a decent night's rest. Because of the numerous studies linking sleep deprivation to lowered metabolic function, hormonal abnormalities, and increased appetite, sleep plays a crucial role in increasing late-night cravings.
You'll have a better chance of getting a good night's sleep if you make your bedroom a calm, cosy place to sleep rather than staying up late yearning for junk food.

2. Eat a healthy breakfast:
A whole grain bagel or oatmeal are excellent first-step carbohydrates since they contain a lot of fibre. You'll feel full and satisfied for longer periods if you eat a breakfast rich in these nutrients. Preparing a few items in advance can be useful if you have a habit of rushing out the door in the morning to ensure you have a satisfying meal to start the day.
For meals to be enjoyed throughout the week, you may try eating hard-boiled eggs, baked oatmeal, overnight oats, or even a few veggies and nuts. These beneficial breakfast routines can help you stay full throughout the day and avoid late-night cravings.

3. Try something else:
According to research, cravings are nearly psychological and not physical needs. Although you don't need to eat, this does not mean that you should disregard it. The research also states that willpower is like a muscle that weakens throughout the day and becomes almost non-existent at night. Create a distraction to take your thoughts away from food. You can try chewing peppermint gum, as the studies suggest that menthol odours reduce hunger.

4. Enjoy a delicious supper:
Your body will feel satisfied and full for several hours after dinner with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. This will likely stop any late-night cravings you have.

5. Take warm liquids:
When you're rushing around making supper and getting the kids ready for bed, it's easy to confuse thirst for hunger and to forget to drink enough water. Try a cup of herbal tea without caffeine or warm water with lemon if you're still hungry after supper. These naturally calorie-free fluids are hydrating while also making you feel full.

6. Exercise your brain:
Put a mental barrier between yourself and the craving. Stop and give yourself a pep talk to control your emotions. As you picture "moving away" from your hunger, tell yourself that it is "only an idea."

7. Portion out your snack if you're hungry:
You've done everything you can to avoid feeling ravenously hungry at the end of the day, including eating filling meals, getting enough sleep, and paying attention to your body. This can occur occasionally! If it is late and you are still hungry, don't be too hard on yourself. Do yourself a favour and divide whatever you intend to eat. You may even try healthy snack suggestions if you want to feel satiated rather than hungry after eating.

These tips guide you to avoid disturbing your sound sleep due to the constant urge to eat something at night. Bring these tips into practice and adopt a healthy routine with lower bloating risks.

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