As my two favorite tv shows (24 and American Idol) continue to grow in excitement, so does the speed of the popcorn that I pop into my mouth. But what goes better with nightime tv than popcorn? I guess 94% fat-free Act II popcorn or better yet air popped? 

Many of my clients complain that they can’t control their evening cravings.  When I look at their dietary recalls, the first thing that typically appears is that they didn’t fuel themselves like they should have during the day.  The majority of their calories come after 6pm!

Therefore, one of the best ways to eat less at night, is to eat enough during the day. Even someone following a 1,600 calorie diet should eat at least a 400 calorie breakfast. Fueling yourself early and often is one of the best ways to control hunger.

Next, plan to snack in the evening, but make the snack part of your overall daily budget. Knowing that you are going to eat again after dinner can encourage one to eat less at dinnertime. Choose a snack that takes awhile to eat and that you enjoy like light popcorn, a sliced apple, frozen grapes, or a fudge pop.

Out of site out of mind. Fortunately, because I am in charge of the grocery shopping, I am charge of what is in our cupboards. I call this creating an environment conducive to making healthy choices. Willpower, whatever, this is something we shouldn’t test ourselves often with. Most likely my healthly choices in the house are healthy for PJ too. (However, the Baskin Robbins ice cream cake that I have been having for breakfast everyday is an exception, it’s my bday week- and post marathon celebration, yes we finished!! and it was awesome!).

Another helpful tip is to eat those vegetables. When we pack half our plate with fiber and water filled veggies those foods will also fill us up, but on a much smaller amount of calories than if our plate was half-full with  meat or pasta.

Finally, distract yourself. Maybe take a stroll around your neighborhood, or pick a tiny project in your house you want to tackle, like that sock drawer. Most of the time, these cravings come when we are idle or idol…