Losing weight is hard enough without adding nighttime eating to the equation. Some habits are just too ingrained for us to break even after hours of thinking about our resolution. And, who wants to waste time on something that doesn’t work? The good news is that these 11 hacks help you eat better so you can lose more weight overnight.
1. Drink Water First
One of our recent blogs about how drinking water helps you lose weight suggested that it might be a good idea to drink a glass first thing in the morning. That way, your stomach is full when it’s time for breakfast. If you haven’t eaten for up to 12 hours, your stomach is less able to expand. Drinking water beforehand means less food at the start of your day.
2. Eat an “Eating Clean” Breakfast
Green smoothies and other protein-rich breakfasts can help fill you up for hours. The protein keeps your blood sugar stable and cravings in check. Additionally, research shows that the time of day you eat your food affects how your body stores fat. If you need a simple meal, try a Greek yogurt parfait with fruit or veggie sticks.
3. Skip the Junk Food Snacks
There’s nothing magical about late-night eating. It’s just that for many of us, it’s the easiest way to get what we feel like eating. When you’re ready to eat a snack at midnight, it can be easy to reach for whatever you had in your freezer or fridge. It can be tempting to just grab a quick bite as you head through the door. But, keeping snacks out of your home helps keep them out of your system and means less temptation at night.
4. Eat Enough Protein
Protein fills you up and keeps your blood sugar steady. These small, frequent meals make you feel more satisfied than a single large meal (regular or not), which keeps you from snacking. The protein also triggers hormones that suppress appetite (such as dopamine and leptin). And, if you ate a lot at dinner, it means more food for the next few hours.
5. Make an Omelet of Satisfaction
You don’t have to include the entire egg, but you can include a bit of healthy fat like butter, cheese, or avocado. If you want an omelet ala carte, just choose one type of protein and veggies, and add some spices to make a meatless spin on the classic dish.
6. Eat End-of-Day Snacks with Friends
One study found that eating with others is one reason why people eat more than they intend to. When you eat with friends, you’re more likely to snack along with them. By the same token, eating alone makes it easier to give in to cravings during the evening. This can lead to more eating and weight gain.