The Truth About Snacking After Dinner
 
Many people think eating late at night causes weight gain. Actually, it’s not when you eat that matters, it’s what and how much you eat.
 
It’s fine to snack on small portions of crackers and low fat cheese, yogurt and fruit, cereal and milk or peanut butter and apple slices. Cake and ice cream, on the other hand, are empty calories that over time will add pounds to your frame.
 
My downfall is cookies.
 
I was upstairs after dinner minding my own business when I heard the cookies calling to me. A walk down the stairs would be good exercise, I rationalized. Stair climbing is a great cardiovascular exercise, not to mention how much it strengthens the legs.

Mindfully, I descend the stairs engaging my core muscles. I open the pantry and take several cookies. Walking away, I hear the cookies’ sweet whisper again. Hesitating in mountain pose I reflect on how many cookies I have already consumed. One more for the climb up the stairs won’t hurt.
 
What voice do you hear after dinner?
          
Here are a few ideas that work for me when I get in the habit of eating too many cookies after dinner.
 
1. Do something for yourself in the hours you habitually snack. 
Take a class, give a family member a back rub, knit, take a bubble bath, talk to a friend, write a letter, read a wonderful novel. Make your life sweeter than your cravings.
 
2. Snack on real food, not junk food.
This begins with making smart choices in the grocery store. Do not buy something that you know will tempt you. I try to keep trail mix bars on hand. I also love to snack on low-fat graham crackers or a cold crisp apple with low-fat peanut butter.
 
3. Make exercise, not food, an after dinner habit.
Many women attempt to soothe their stress and anxiety with high-calorie comfort foods. Try establishing an evening ritual like taking a walk or stretching for 10 minutes. This will settle your spirit and your digestion much better than a shot of refined sugar and flour.
 
Blessings,
 
Theresa Rowe

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Get more advice from Theresa!

Find all you need to know on whole-person 
wellness in Shaped by Faith.

Theresa is a former model and nationally certified fitness professional who teaches people to use their faith to inspire fitness and their fitness to strengthen their faith. She is the author of Shaped by Faith: 10 Secrets to Strengthening your Body & Soul, and two exercise DVDS: Pilates for the Soul

She and her husband, Robin, have seven children and live in Calhoun, Kentucky.

You can email her with any questions or concerns.

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