Dealing with a snack attack

In an ideal world you'd never want to snack

In an ideal world you'd never feel the need to nibble

We don't live in an ideal world

We live in a stressful world filled with temptation

If you plan carefully you'll find dealing with a snack attack simple and easy and you won't hurt your diet

If you're following a particular diet then pay attention to guidelines issued with it, particularly on diets which restrict carbs etc.

Snacks

Snacking at home is a lot safer than snacking at work or whilst you're out and about. It's easier, you can be more prepared and have a bigger choice.

Some general hints to help you

• Clear out all the unhealthy temptations from your home. Hide any intended for other family members or only buy enough to last a day or so - so any binge snacking isn't OTT
• Don't buy things you can't resist. I love doritoes - but if I have a big packet I will want to munch them aimlessly until they're all gone.
• Ensure you have a good supply of snacks you do like which are healthy
• Ensure you vary your snacks so you don't get bored
• Try mini packets of snacks - especially those which are healthy
• Try new things
• Eat fresh fruit
• Try savory snacks
• Try rice cakes and bread sticks
• Read the labels on foods to make sure you don't eat too much fat or salt.
• Do you have enough snacks for the next few days? Don't run out else you'll turn to other things.
• Look for alternatives you might not have thought of for snacking - a small bowl of breakfast cereal can be very satisfying in the evening
• Write snacks down in your diet diary.
• If you go mad and eat loads of something then write that down too. It'll help remind you that you've found something irristible and you should avoid it or learn to find ways of not going mad with it.
• Find ways of dealing with snacks you love. Buy mini packs. Split up packs if you need to so you make sensible size snacking easy.
• Make snacking work outside of the house too. Carry snacks that are safe.