‘I struggle with snacking when I’m having some downtime, sat on the sofa, watching TV’ – sound familiar?
Snacking is something most of us do and it can really impact our ability to achieve our goals if we don’t take steps to reduce it. So many people struggle with this, regardless of thier goals, but for those with fat loss goals, snacking can be deterimental to progress.
I wanted to give you a tangible tool, something which you can use to help yourself with this and something you can action STRAIGHT AWAY.
Before you mindlessly grab some snacks, next time, think about these 4P’s…
- PAUSE
Just take a second to think about what you are doing and ask yourself if eating those snacks will take you further towards or further away from your goals.
Is the short term pleasure you will get from this snack GREATER than your desire to achieve your longer term goals? If the answer is no, step away from the snacks!
- PROBLEM
Are you snacking to escape something? A feeling? Try and really understand the reason you’re wanting to snack. Loneliness? Stress? Boredom? Grief?
Whatever the reason is, I’d like you to just acknowledge it. Will food make it better? Perhaps, for about 30 seconds, but it won’t make the feeling go away. If anything, it’s likely to make you feel worse as it’s taken you further away from your goals. You will feel so much better if you put the snacks down (saying NO to the snacks is saying YES to your progress) and resist. And you can allow yourself to feel smug and happy about doing that!! HIGH FIVE!
- PIVOT
Change your surroundings! Find something else to help alleviate the feeling which is driving you to snack. Lonely? Can you call a friend / your Mum? Stressed? Can you do something to actively relieve your stress? 10 mins stretching / breathing can really help. Bored? Can you go for a walk outside? Can you clear out a draw / cupboard? Listen to a podcast while you do something productive? Grieving? Can you write down your feelings / memories or talk to someone else going through similar?
- PRAISE
Give yourself some recognition every single time you steer yourself away from the snacks. Feel smug and happy about it! It’s a WIN!! Resisting is challenging – it requires some will power, but remind yourself of the long term benefits of reducing that snacking and think about the 4P’s net time you’re tempted.
Pause, Problem, Pivot, Praise.
The more you do it, the easier it becomes, the more calories you save over time, the quicker you will reach your fat loss goals. YOU’RE WELCOME! Hope it helps.
And good luck!
Kaye x
