I speak to a lot of people at different parts of their fitness journey, be it at the start of their kickstart (reply with ‘kickstart’ for more info about our next 28 Day Kickstart) or years down the line, and it is clear that snacking is a big struggle right now…
^^ although it has never not been, even from working in the NHS, Public Health and in Fruci Fit…
So I thought I would share this super simple strategy…
(now, notice I did not say easy)…
As most people find their meals to be all ok, but it’s just the snacking…
This is called urge surfing..
You see, you get ‘urges’ all day to do things..
This doesn’t mean you behave in a way that conforms to the urge..
BUT
When it comes to snacking..
The issue is often:
→ You are tired at that time (afternoon or evening) <<< which means ANYTHING you do will probably make you feel better…(read that again)
^^^ it just so happens that by snacking, your brain creates a link that when you are tired, snacking helps with this….hmmmm. And everytime you do it, that link gets stronger and EASIER to do. It is a bit like having a choice between taking the country road full of potholes and roadworks in Wiltshire vs taking a clear motorway…
→ you are stressed at that time (impacts your pre frontal cortex which impacts your ability to look at long terms benefits rather than short term instant gratification)
What to do instead:
Practice urge surfing…
Don’t fight the urge..
Listen to it
Acknowledge it..
How do you feel?
What thoughts are in your head?
What is your heart rate like?
Who are you with?
What are you doing with your hands?
^^ write that down.
THEN
And this is the big part…
Ask yourself:
HOW LONG DOES THE URGE LAST FOR?
The interesting part?
Not many people actually know…
Wouldn’t it be fun to find out?
Again..
This is just one simple strategy..
Of many of the tools in the toolbox that might help you.
I can’t guarantee it will work.
Unless you actually do it.
And I don’t mean just do it once..
Consistency and persistence is always the key..
And if you’re not already doing so?
Plan your snacks in:
“Today my snacks will be [insert here].” And NO, it doesn’t matter if it’s “unhealthy” just plan it in. When it’s part of the plan, you might just think about it a bit differently .
Matt