5 things to do to avoid snacking

We all know how it happens, you’re sitting and watching TV or surfing the internet when a small voice pops into your head…

‘Hey, do you know what would go well with this? Chocolate!’

Then, before you know it you’re rummaging around in the pantry and end up devouring something you just know you’re going to regret, such as half a bag of baking choc chips!

Snacking because you’re bored is a very easy way for unwanted calories to sneak into our diets, if you’re not actually hungry there’s just no need to be eating.

Below are a few ideas on how to avoid this trap by distracting yourself from that little voice in your head!

1. Paint your nails

Giving yourself a manicure will keep your thoughts off the sweets while you’re doing it, but also has the bonus of the dry-time… As we all know, wet nails don’t allow you to do much of anything. Plus, how appealing does nail polish-flavoured food sound?

2. Phone a friend

Why not take this opportunity to call a friend and catch up on their latest news… Tell them straight away that you’re avoiding snacks so that they can be on ‘crunch alert’ while you chat!

3. Brush your teeth

Not only does this help to prevent decay and other oral-horrors, but you’re also unlikely to want to ruin that minty-fresh feeling by eating anything.

4. Go for a walk

Get out of the house! While keeping yourself away from the kitchen you’ll also be burning fat. If you can’t go for a walk why not try doing some indoor exercise instead? There are heaps of exercise tutorial videos available on YouTube, or you could start your 30 day squat challenge!

5. Clean/tidy up

This is a great way to get chores done around the house during the time you usually spend vegging out. Whether your bathroom needs a clean, or you pick a task such as cleaning out your wardrobe, you’re guaranteed to feel satisfied once you’ve finished too.

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5 handbag-friendly snacks under 130 calories

I attended a breakfast function last week at which I received a goodie bag, and inside I found this cute tin… It’s the perfect size to pop in your handbag for when you’re hungry, on-the-go, and oh-so-tempted by unhealthy snacks…

(You can order one for yourself via the Australian Almonds website HERE for only $1.00!)

This got me thinking about other healthy foods which can be a permanent fixture in your handbag without the worry of them squashing, spilling, smelling or spoiling. My five faves are:

Almonds – A serve of 18 almonds is only 126 cals, plus they’re easy to eat on the run and are super healthy – Click for more info

Uncle Tobys Bodywise Digestive Balance bars – One bar equates to 111 calories, and delivers quarter of your daily fibre needs, which keeps you feeling full for longer – Click for more info

Tinned Tuna – One 95g can of Safcol Tuna in Springwater is a mere 71 calories, while still being a great source of protein and omega 3. It may be a bit smelly but if you’re mindful of the people around you this one is a fantastic snack (just don’t forget your fork!), also make sure you choose a brand which uses sustainable methods of fishing – Click for more info

Nabisco Premium Snack Packs 98% fat free crackers – A good way to get a mini-carb hit without the calories – only 98 in fact! These snack packs contain four double squares of crackers, so you feel like you’ve eaten a lot. Handbag warning: may be prone to getting crushed – Click for more info

Nice&Natural NUTricious for your heart – These resealable packs contain a combination of almonds, pistachios, dried cherries, cranberries, strawberries and flame rasins, all selected for their heart-friendly nutritional benefits. One 30g serving contains 130 calories and is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, chewy and crunchy – Click for more info