Late Night Snackoholism (Read 927 times)

I've taken the first step and admitted that I have a problem, the problem is bigger than me and I need help.

 
Quit that!  And run more.  There.

But if you're snacking b/c it's a habit thing, maybe you should do something different at night. 

Personally I like to go to bed a little bit hungry b/c it helps me wake up in the morning.

I did the same thing growing up.... big bowl of ice cream every night, usually covered with maple syrup or chocolate... was okay until in my 30's and it started to show.  I still have not kicked the habit but have replaced the ice cream with a cup of mixed nuts or even Kashi Crunch. Hard to quit... I quit smoking after many years and that was almost easier.

Funny, quitting smoking seemed easier to me too. I think sugar/refined carbs can be just as addictive. I get the snack cravings like crazy in the evening too. To avoid those cravings, I try to eat enough during the day so I'm not starving at night and craving things. The other thing that works for me is to just not have junk food in the house. I eat a pretty healthy dinner with lots of veggies. If I have to eat something after, I love cottage cheese with cut up strawberries (and blueberries if available and on sale). It helps that i go to bed fairly early since I'm a morning runner.

And eat slowly. And if you have a craving for a sweet, wait 20 minutes. maybe the craving will pass. An apple with some natural peanut butter is really good too - my favorite afternoon snack. Or a Greek yogurt with some almonds and honey. Just gotta surround yourself with healthier options. Find a tea you like and make it an evening ritual. And have the freakin ice cream once in a while.

One recipe I like is one I got from a member of my running club. it's a raw brownie (really tastes like one):

5 to 10 dates chopped up (there are two kinds of dates, one has 17gr carbs per date, one has 5 - go with the 5)

Couple scoops of almonds chopped up or almond meal - maybe a 1/2 to 3/4 cup

1-2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Touch of honey or agave

2 scoops of whey protein powder (this makes it not qualify as food. It's only "food")

Combine ingredients in a bowl and add enough cold water to blend and get the consistency you like. Let it set in the fridge a bit. I get 4 servings, each about 300 kcal and loaded with protein and good fats and moderate in carbs.

 Do you think that recipe would work w/o the protein powder? I suppose I should just try it. I have everything except the protein powder. Oh and I think my dates (medjool) are the carbier ones.

 Never tried without the protein powder. But by the looks, I'd say if you omitted that and the water, added some oats, and baked in the oven, you'd basically have granola.

MTA: the protein powder is what mixes with the water and honey to make a brownie batter-like consistency. So, no, I don't think it would work quite right without it.