Ask Denise: How To Avoid Late Night Munching?

I get asked a lot about how to manage weight gain as we get older - you know, that 5 pounds that seems inevitable as we get on in years. The good news is - you CAN avoid weight gain! And if you have already put on some pounds that you want to take off, you can do that too! All it takes is some extra exercise (my 10-Week Whole Body Plan is an excellent place to start a consistent workout routine - beginner to advanced alike!!) and some changes to your eating habits... like stopping late night snacking!

How to stop late night snacking, you may be asking? It's actually easier than you think! Try these tips, from my new Stop The Clock Nutrition Plan - download and print it today!

How To Stop Late Night Snacking

1. Phase out unhealthy snacks for healthier ones. Late night munching often has to do with cravings, not hunger. By eliminating the chips, cookies and ice cream, and replacing them with healthier options like crudites and sorbet, even if you do get hungry later at night, you will at least be eating healthier foods! And if you are like me and a craving strikes but all that's in the kitchen are healthier foods... sometimes I just don't give in at all!
2. Put a "lock" on the kitchen at a certain time. My video below goes over this tactic, one that really works for me and my family. Once you get used to this "rule," it will become another part of your day, like going to bed at a certain time.
3. Make sure you are eating enough healthy, nourishing food throughout the day. If you are late night munching because you are truly hungry, then you should make sure to eat a little more during the day. My Stop The Clock Nutrition Plan has a 7-Day Meal plan with breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks for each day. It's all about what you put in your body so aim for healthy, whole foods that will fill you up!

And remember, lots of people sleep much better when they haven't eaten right before bed - and we all know how important rest is for your health and appearance. So keep that in mind next time you want to Stop Late Night Snacking!

Video Transcript:

Hi everybody. A lot of you asked me, Denise, what do I do at night if I'm starving, I want to eat something or have a late night snack. What do you do? Well, honestly, this is what I do. I try each night to close that kitchen door, put a curfew on the kitchen, don't even tempt yourself and go into that kitchen after 8:00 PM. That's what I do. I put a curfew at seven or 8:00 PM. I won't even let myself go in. Don't even tempt yourself cause I know like me, I'll go and start eating ice cream or something. But the key is that what you eat at night is so important. Try not to eat. You need about three hours before you go to sleep to have that food metabolized. So that's why eating early dinner is better for you. But if you have to have something late at night, do something that's healthy. Of course, nuts. Uh, just a little handful of nuts really helps. Also anything healthy fats, like a little bit of an avocado, I just scoop it out a little bit. A couple of scoops really helps, or a piece of fruit or some veggies, just a little bit really goes a long way and drink water too. And if you'd like to learn more, go to DeniseAustin.com and try my Stop The Clock Nutrition Guide. You will love it.