AHHH snack attack! We all get them. I can eat clean all day, but once nighttime comes around, I get the craziest cravings for sweets and junk food. Cravings will usually pass within 15 minutes if your body is not truly hungry.
Try going for a walk around the block to distract yourself from thinking about food and try drinking a glass of water to determine if you are just thirsty. If 15 minutes go by and you are still craving something to snack on, I have some tricks for you!
Kick those cravings in the hiney with these simple treats that will satisfy without derailing your day of healthy eating!
Frozen Fruit: I like to buy bags of frozen fruit from Trader Joe’s and keep them in my freezer. Fruit is great for a sweet tooth, but frozen fruit is even better because it will slow down the rate at which it is consumed so you become fuller faster. My favorite fruit to freeze are green grapes. These bite-sized sweet snacks are an awesome alternative when you are craving candy or sugar. Frozen grapes take longer to eat since they are cold, which will help you to eat less compared to grapes at a normal temperature.
Tip: wash and dry grapes and remove them from the vine before freezing.
Shelled Pistachios: When I want something salty I will eat a small serving of shelled pistachios. De-shelling each nut takes more time and effort than grabbing a handful of unshelled nuts, which will make you more aware of how many you are eating.
La Croix: If you ever crave soda, this is a great alternative for you. I love this pure sparkling water because it is flavorful and bubbly and does not contain any added sugars, artificial flavors, or chemicals that other popular soft drinks have. It only contains carbonated water and natural flavors. Lemon is my favorite! La Croix can be purchased at Whole Foods and most Target locations.
Swiss Miss Diet Hot Chocolate: If you ever crave chocolate, this is the answer to your prayers! For only 25 calories and 2g of sugar, you can have your chocolate without throwing off your day of healthy eating! Works like a charm.
As with any snack, don’t forget to measure out a serving and watch your portion size to prevent eating too much of a good thing!
Question: What do you do when you get a late night snack attack?
Sam
March 29, 2012 at 10:27 pm (13 years ago)Baby carrots!
Catherine
March 29, 2012 at 10:29 pm (13 years ago)Mmmm baby carrots, the perfect crunchy treat!
Jennifer
March 30, 2012 at 6:58 am (13 years ago)I see your baby carrots, Samuel, and raise you some hummus to dip them in. I like roasted red pepper or this spicy four pepper hummus that I get at one of our supermarkets here. You have to watch your portion size, of course, but it’s a yummy treat. My grandma turned me on to frozen grapes about 25 years ago. I have a wicked sweet tooth, so I prefer red ones. I’m glad someone else knows about them!
Catherine
March 30, 2012 at 10:23 am (13 years ago)Great idea with hummus! Chef AJ taught me a great saying “want to wear a bikini? Switch to Tahini!” Hummus is excellent in moderation. My grandparents taught me about frozen grapes too!