Top 10 interesting ways to stop mindless snacking

Snacking without thinking is something that we all do occasionally. If it is turning into a bad habit, check out our tips on how to take control and stop mindless snacking in its tracks.

1) Turn off the TV or computer

When’s the last time you can truly recall eating an absolutely delicious meal in front of the TV or computer? If you’re having trouble recalling such an experience, you’re not alone. Eating in front of a screen means that our attention is not focused on what we’re consuming (and leaving you more likely to eat too much).

2) Stay hydrated

Sometimes you might think you’re hungry, but you’re actually just thirsty. Try making a drink of water your go-to reaction when you start thinking about a snack.

3) Create barriers

When a bowl of chips or smarties or nuts (or whatever your weakness is) is just sitting out in the open, it is way easier to fall into the trap of mindlessly taking one handful and then another (and then another). If you put up some barriers between you and your snacking indulgence (like stashing it away in a cupboard), you’ll have to actually decide to get up and go get it. You can even try putting a sticky note on that bag of salted almonds that says “Are you hungry or are you bored?” It may make you think twice before you reach in.

4) Focus on your pearly whites

Most people (myself definitely included) don’t like to eat anything right after they’ve brushed their teeth. The whole minty-fresh meets savoury snack thing is just kind of gross. If you don’t want to fall into the trap of mindless snacking, brush your teeth after you finish dinner instead of right before you go to bed.

5) Have a go-to distraction

A recent study has shown that playing three minutes of tetris may help to crush cravings. Or, try blasting your favourite song and singing along when you feel a snacking urge coming on. You may very well end up distracting yourself out of it.

6) Identify your triggers

Do you find yourself reaching for a bag of chips when it has been a particularly trying day at work? Does the chocolate come out when you find yourself home alone and bored? Maybe you are snacking more on the days after you slept poorly. Identifying your own personal habits is the only way to work towards overcoming them.

7) Don’t buy junk 

It may seem overly simplistic, but you can’t eat junk if you don’t have it in the house.

8) Slow down

Oftentimes, when we overeat, it is because we didn’t give our stomachs time to catch up to our brains. You’re especially at risk for this if you let yourself get to the point of being absolutely ravenous.

9) Commit to true hunger

If you’re hungry, you should have a snack. Easy as that. Measure out a reasonable amount, like a quarter cup of nuts, close the bag and be done with it. This way, you’re not at risking for reaching for that second, and then third handful and completely derailing yourself.

10) Keep track

Research has shown that one of the most effective ways to stick to a weight loss regimen is to keep a food journal. If your mindless snacking gets out of hand, you may want to consider this option. The thought of having to write down the amount that you consumed may be enough to deter you from indulging.