6 Nutritionists Share Their Tricks For Curbing Nighttime Snacking

Maybe your like

Subscribe
My Bookmarks
Shopping
Prevention Premium
Health
Conditions and Diagnoses
Weight Loss
Fitness
Sex
Food & Nutrition
Beauty
Life
Newsletter
Follow
About Prevention.com
Medical Review Board
Prevention Awards
Win

Skip to Contentsign inSubscribeSearch

sign inSubscribe

Health
Wellness & Self Care
Food & Nutrition
Fitness
Health News
What to Buy
About Us

My Bookmarks
Newsletter

Privacy NoticeTerms Of Use

sign inSubscribe

Health
Wellness & Self Care
Food & Nutrition
Fitness
Health News
What to Buy
About Us
More

William King/Getty Images

You might be the kind of person who'd never dream of eating a sugary muffin for breakfast or a burger and fries for lunch. (And if that's the case, wow, can you please share your secret?) And yet, you're probably still the kind of person who gets tripped up by nighttime snacking.

Why? Because postdinner munchies mess with everyone. Whether it's the glow of the TV or the sheer fact that you've exhausted all of your energy and willpower for the day, not chowing down on chips, ice cream, or cookies seems to get exponentially more challenging after the sun goes down. (Snack AND lose weight with this box of Prevention-approved treats from Bestowed.)

This is true for nutritionists, too. But because they're bonafide experts in clean eating, many of them have figured out ways to beat down the postdinner snack beast. Here's how they do it—and how you can, too.

Have a protein-packed breakfast.

Anna Mente/Shutterstock

Having a healthy breakfast doesn't just set the tone for making smart choices all day long. Pick one with plenty of protein, and findings show that you may be less likely to dream about sugar at night. "Make sure you're eating 30 g of protein in the morning," says Medifast California registered dietician Cara Walsh.

MORE: The 6 Healthiest Protein Powders For Your Smoothie

Eat enough during the day.

romanruzicka/Shutterstock

Tempted to skimp on daytime meals and snacks to "save" your calories for dinner—and after dinner? Don't do it. Not eating enough during the day will leave you overhungry and more likely to crave junk at night, Walsh says. (Try these tricks to help crush your food cravings at night.)

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Have a slow snack.

Baibaz/Shutterstock

Those two tiny cookies you portioned out for Netflix and chill? You finished them before the end of the opening credits, and you're ready to go back for more. Next time, have something that you can eat slowly, recommends registered dietician Amy Gorin. "If I'm truly hungry, I'll eat a 100-calorie pack of pistachios. Because they're in shells, they take longer to eat, reducing the risk of mindless munching." (Here are the 10 best nighttime snacks for weight loss.)

Consider what you missed.

Natalia61/Shutterstock

Rather than blindly reach for a box of cookies or a bag of chips, do a quick inventory of what you've eaten for the entire day. "Did you get enough fruit? Did you eat any vegetables? How was your protein intake? If you are lacking in any one group, let that be your first choice," says registered dietician Sarah Pflugradt. Aim for 100 calories' worth, and a glass of water.

MORE: 4 Foods That Burn Belly Fat

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Make a DIY "candy bar."

Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Half of a frozen banana dipped in melted dark chocolate tastes pretty darn indulgent. But it's loaded with good-for-you stuff like magnesium and potassium to help your muscles relax, and carbohydrates to help you fall asleep. Plus, it's portion controlled. "I like to melt dark chocolate chips in Thrive Culinary Algae Oil, and then dip half a banana into the melted chocolate," says registered dietician Chelsea Fuchs. "Once the banana has cooled, I pop in the freezer for a delicious frozen banana treat."

Go to your room.

Blend Images/Shutterstock

Indulge your inner sloth and hop into bed early. From there, you can read, watch TV, play Words with Friends, whatever. When you're all cozied up in a spot that's far away from the kitchen, you're a lot less likely to end up grazing on empty calories just because, says registered dietician Lori Langer, founder of Live Well Nutrition Consulting.

MORE: Your Simple 3-Day Diet Detox

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Do a quick Q&A.

File404/Shutterstock

When you're bored, you're more likely to start hearing that little voice in your head that tells you to polish off the pint of ice cream in the freezer. So if it starts up, take a pause. "Before grabbing that snack, ask yourself whether you're really hungry or if you're just trying to fill the time," recommends Certified Health and Wellness Coach Nicole Granato. If you're truly hungry, it's fine to have a snack. But if you're just looking for something to do, go find something else.

Watch Next Advertisement - Continue Reading Below