3 Ways to Survive the Snack Attack

We eat because we are bored. We eat because we are depressed. We eat because we are celebrating something special. We eat because we are punishing ourselves. And sometimes, we have no idea why we eat. We just eat because, well, it's THERE.

So how do you survive the snack attack when it happens? Here are 3 of my favorite ways to avoid mindless munchies.

1. Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Studies have actually proven that if the "candy bowl" is within reach and in a visible place, the average person will consume 2x more than if the candy bowl is moved 2 meters away to a less visible place. This proves that the phrase "out of sight, out of mind" is actually quite true when it comes to food proximity, visibility, and consumption. If you want to avoid snacking on high calorie, unhealthy foods, hide them!

2. Investigate

Whenever a snack attack occurs, I first ask myself: am I actually hungry? Should I make a healthy meal instead? Or could I be thirsty? If none of these things are true, then I either: carefully portion whatever the thing is I am craving, or I distract myself with a healthier version of the thing I'm craving!

3. Get Moving

I have noticed that if I start to get the munchies, the BEST antidote is simply MOVING! If you are at work, get up from your desk and take a stroll around the office or even take a coffee break if you can. If you're at home, do a few sun salutations or a few jumping jacks or body weight squats. If you're really in it to win it, go for a full blown brisk walk outside or on the treadmill. You'll be surprised that the movement and endorphins released will usually almost always quench that snack attack!