Do you crave something sweet after dinner?
Is it an every night craving?
Cravings are actually an interesting phenomenon in that they are subconsciously trying to tell you something. In my upcoming newsletter I will explain the physiological reasons why some people get cravings, and what they may be signs of…
Today, though, I want to cover 3 emotion-based reasons why people snack after dinner – and what you can do about it!
Craving Reason #1: Stress Release
Let’s face it, you’re running around all day with your kids, or at work or school chasing deadlines (or both), and then you come home, have dinner, and finally get a minute to relax you probably can’t wait to pop down in front of the TV on the couch. And what do we want when we’re relaxing… comfort foods and sweet treats. And, why do we want these foods? They stimulate the pleasure centers in our brain by releasing certain “mood elevating” neurotransmitters…
My Suggestion to Release Stress:
You’d be surprised at how a 10-minute stretch after coming home (see my 5 floor stretches) or before bed can totally de-stress your body. It literally moves you towards your parasympathetic nervous system, which is the “rest and relax” half. And, if the idea of stretching doesn’t work you, then you can’t go wrong with a warm shower or bath to relax your body.
Craving Reason #2: Nothing to Do
As you’re relaxing after dinner on the couch, you most likely aren’t working on any projects at that minute and so your mind is allowed to wander a bit. And of course, you’re relaxing, so your mind says, “what’s more relaxing than watching TV in your sweatpants?” To which you respond, “Watching TV in your sweatpants while eating ice cream or another sugary substance.”
My Suggestion to Combat Boredom:
One of my favorite quick tips for helping clients break their after dinner dessert fix is to immediately clean up after dinner and then go out for a 20-minute walk. This should be a light walk that calms your nerves and relaxes your mind and body.
Craving Reason #3: It’s Become a Habit
After a few nights of some after dinner snacking you have now turned what was once an occasional treat into a full-blown habit that your body and mind begin to crave. Do you remember Pavlov’s Dog’s and how they salivated every time the bell rang? Well, every time you finish dinner, now you’re thinking about when and what tonight’s treat will be.
My Suggestion to Break the Habit:
This idea may seem kind of crazy, but it works. In fact, it’s helped so many of my clients break their after dinner snack craving that I now suggest it to all new online and studio clients.
So here it is:
After you finish cleaning up after dinner, immediately walk to your bathroom and brush your teeth (with natural mint toothpaste). After you just cleaned your teeth and have that nice mint flavor in your mouth you won’t want to eat something sugary. If you did, the two tastes wouldn’t mix very well – the sweet treat may actually taste gross. Plus, you’d have to brush your teeth again and if you’re anything like me, once is enough work as it is…
This tip may seem strange, but it really does work so give it try!
These 3 types of after dinner emotional-based cravings can wind up being a viscous cycle, but with a little willpower and a touch of creativity using any or all of my suggestions I have no doubt you’ll be able to break them in less than one week!
Also, if you don’t want to completely give up your treats and you’re looking for “healthier” after dinner dessert options be sure to check out my complete, 12-week body transformation system. It walks you through how my online and studio clients lose weight (and keep it off) while following a simple step-by-step system.
>>> Get the Step-by-Step System here!
Committed to your success,
Stephen Cabral, CSCS, CPT, NS
Voted “2011 Personal Trainer of the Year”
Author of Fatlossity, Lose5in7 Weight Loss System
Health Consultant for MTV, Men’s Health, Women’s Day, MAXIM, NutritionData, Dietcom, SELF
https://stephencabral.com
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step-by-step, weight loss system as seen on TV.
T3 Personal Training & Coaching Program.
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