Late night cravings...ahh!

I have noticed in the few times I have tried to lose weight, that one of the most helpful and effective habits to get into is not eating before you go to bed.  I have heard that at least 3 hours before bed should be the last time you eat for the day.  I have even gone more than that and done 5 or 6 hours and it has been helpful but I don't know if it is great for metabolism or long terms weight loss.  When I have stopped eating at night, it seems like I don't even have to think about it and I start losing weight.  I have found it to be very effective!

One problem with this, though, is that the second you know you aren't supposed to do something, often times that is the only thing your mind wants to focus on.  So if you find that you are having late night cravings and feel yourself starting to feel weak to the growl of your stomach, go ahead and snack a bit but choose wisely in what you are going to cheat with.

Try and remember:

• Try first to drink a glass of water.  Sometimes you just need to have something in your stomach to take the edge off the hunger.  Since water is ZERO calories, make this your choice.
• If water doesn't curb your appetite, go for something that has very few calories and takes up a little bit of room in your tummy.  Something like a banana or slices of apple can be helpful to give your body a break from the HUNGER!!! haha!
• If you find that you are craving a specific food, maybe there is a healthier option that you can eat to calm your craving.  You are feeling like a pizza, for example, but something salty will do.  Grab a few pretzels instead!
• If you feel like there is no way to avoid it, you have to have that (fill in the blank of the very unhealthy yet so delicious food you crave) and there is no way around it, set a very conservative limit on how much you are going to eat of that food.  Instead of eating a whole slice of pizza, for example, you will eat only 2 bites and no more than that.  The bites can even be big!
• Please try and evaluate the craving you are having so that you don't go through the entire list above.  That would really stink if you ingested a banana, an apple, and a handful of pretzels only to come to terms with the idea that you MUST HAVE PIZZA.
• If you messed up and pigged out in your hunger weakness, don't worry!  You may have messed up today but there is always a chance to exercise a little extra tomorrow.  And for heaven's sake DON'T GIVE UP!  Giving up now will not get you to where you want to be!

Also, it does get easier with time.  After you get into the habit of not eating before bed, you will be able to walk through the kitchen without having to cover your eyes. haha!  But if you ever start getting weak, come back to this place and read your options!  Good luck and good night!

This fruit salad with actually taste BETTER than you think it will!   Promise!