Many of us indulge in the snacking habit and want to break away from it as it is considered unhealthy. We go to gyms and health clubs to become fit yet when we go back home after our workout we can’t control our urge to consume unhealthy foods. If we sit in front of the TV or watch a Movie at the theatre we need a big bag of potato chips or buttered pop corns in our hand. People seem to snack and overeat for a variety of reasons like stress, anxiety or just plain boredom. Snacking in between meals is identified as one of the major reasons of tooth decay. It is also one of the main reasons why people fail with their weight loss plans. However, there are a few tips one can do to avoid your urge for Snacking.

Eating Proper Meals: Never skip meals. Instead of 3 big meals if you can take 5 small meals that would be even better. When your stomach is in a starvation mode you are more likely to indulge in snacking.

Avoid Unhealthy Food: Junk Foods and Oily stuff are considered unhealthy. Avoid eating and buying unhealthy food. When buying foods always make a list of healthy food and stick to the list only. Foods that are high in protein, fiber and nutrients such as vegetables or fruits are a good choice. Many a times we are motivated to buy unhealthy stuff because of the promotional offers even though we don’t need it at the first place!

Self Control:When you feel an urge ask you’re self if you are really hungry and what you want is really good for you. Imagine yourself for a minute as a sumo wrestler. This has worked for me and helped me reduce eating in between. One of my friends who had put a lot of weight after pregnancy taped her before and after photos to places like dressing table, cupboard etc to remind her of how she was before and that she needs to get fit again and go into a healthy diet.

Mingle with like minded people: Being friend with those who are health conscious can be a good motivation to you to stay away from unhealthy foods and habits.

Divert your attention to something else: One can try taking up some activity which needs the usage of hands like cleaning, knitting or even putting a face pack.

Don’t store Snacks: Many of us store Snack in our desk at the office, in the car or in cupboards at home so that we can eat it when we feel the urge. We fail to remember that when we have snacks within our reach we are more likely to eat them.

Have a Beverage: Many people indulge in snacking when all they need is to quench their thirst. Having a chilled glass of water or a health drink or fresh juice can help cut on snacks. I like drinking butter milk made of low fat curd.

Try Alternatives: Most people indulge in snacking because it keeps the mouth moving. If that is the case a Chewing gum or a low calorie hard candy can serve the purpose too. So if you really are going for a snack tries an alternative. One can go for a healthier option like a fruit or low fat biscuits or half a sandwich if you are hungry in between. Healthy Snacks with low fat percentage is also available in markets which can be an alternative.

Brushing and Flossing: Making the habit of Brushing and flossing after meals and snacks is said to be helpful in keeping a distance from food for at least an hour.

Count your Calorie intake: Recording your Calorie intake every time you eat something can be helpful in controlling it.