tips for avoiding unplanned snacking
getting started
having regular low-calorie snacks throughout the day along with regular smaller meals is a good way to manage your hunger. plan snacks as part of your overall calories for the day, and avoid eating unplanned calories.
- try not to sample food while cooking.
- don't eat unplanned snacks.
when you're tempted to snack at times that you didn't plan for, substitute a glass of water with lemon, and snack on carrot or celery sticks. avoid sweetened drinks like sodas, special coffee drinks, energy drinks, and juices. they add a lot of calories.
- try a different activity.
when you feel the urge to have an unplanned snack, try an activity that does not involve eating, such as taking a bath, reading a book, or doing a hands-on activity.
- make dinner the last thing you eat until breakfast.
- use portion control.
measure one portion of a snack into a bowl so you aren't tempted to keep reaching into the box or bag.
current as of: september 20, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
