How to Get Rid of Late Night Hunger

The easiest way to ruin a good weight-loss plan is by eating late-night snacks. The body's metabolism slows down during sleep, burning fewer calories; taking in extra calories before going to bed results in gaining weight. Avoid the gradual accumulation of unwanted pounds by getting rid of late-night cravings. Learn to make better choices as to how and when to eat, and make use of products such as gum and peppermint.

Instructions

• 1

  Speak to a doctor or dietitian to determine how many calories are needed per day, and then monitor food consumption to make sure enough calories are taken in. Some people suffer from late-night hunger because they are not eating enough during the day.

• 2

  Never skip any of the three major meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. According to the American Dietetic Association, eating at least three regularly scheduled meals, especially breakfast, helps minimize impulsive snacking throughout the rest of the day.

• 3

  Try chewing sugarless gum. According to a study in the 2006 edition of the journal "Appetite," chewing gum for 15 to 20 minutes distracts the mind from late-night hunger long enough for it to dissipate.

• 4

  Sniff peppermint. According to MSNBC News, Bryan Raudenbush, an associate professor of psychology at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia, discovered that inhaling a peppermint scent throughout the day -- or in this case the evening -- helps reduce hunger.

• 5

  Add foods rich in fiber to dinner. According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, carrots, lettuce, beans and other fiber-rich foods provide more volume and take longer to digest, which helps you feel fuller for a longer period of time.

• 6

  Move dinner an hour forward to cut the chances of suffering late-night hunger. Perhaps you're eating too early and going to bed too late. By making some minor schedule adjustments, the amount of time is reduced for cravings to set in and ruin a diet.

• 7

  Apply whitening strips to the teeth a few hours before bed. While the strips are on and working, you are not able to eat. This way, teeth get whiter, while the thighs stay tighter.