8 PM Hungry Monster

It's 8:00 at night. The kids are in bed, phone calls have been returned, bills have been paid, the couch is calling and so is the refrigerator.

This is the time that many of us get "hungry". We associate relaxing with treating ourselves to some tasty treats. It's our only time to ourselves. We've been running around all day and we deserve it, right? This is our emotional self telling us that our stomachs are hungry.

There are several ways of tackling this situation.

-We can distract ourselves by redirecting our focus. Here are some options:
~Exercise
~Close the kitchen, lights off, counters and sink clean
~chew gum
~brush your teeth
~get into bed and read
~do your nails
~drink some water

-We can plan ahead by having healthy options available:
~Munchable fruit, like grapes or strawberries w/FF cool whip
~FF SF pudding
~FF or LF ice cream
~94% FF popcorn
~WW bars or snacks
~FF SF hot cocoa
~yogurt
~WW smoothie


So, just remember...hungry comes in a variety of forms. Boredom, stress, celebration, dehydration, or actual hunger. It's our job to assess the situation before we feed a non-hunger situation.

My challenge to all of you is to recognize what your body is telling you,as well as what your feelings are telling you. Listen carefully and follow through!