by Elyse M

Created on: March 01, 2009   Last Updated: March 02, 2009

Anyone who has tried to lose weight knows that there are a million pitfalls waiting to throw you off of your game plan. You may go all day eating the right foods, in reasonable quantities, and even make it to the gym, or out for a run, but the minute 9 p.m. rolls around, you're head first in the pantry looking for some way to satisfy an insatiable urge to snack.

The chances are that if you're plan is based on a healthy lifestyle, and not a starvation or quick-fix diet, the reason for your craving isn't hunger. Here are some ways to avoid botching the hard work you've been doing all day.

Keep Your Hands Busy Often snacking is the result of boredom. You might be watching TV and suddenly think "Hmm, some chips would be really great right now!". Snacking is addictive. Popping chips into your mouth gives your hands something to do, and since it's a repetitive action, it's easy to lose track of just how many you've eaten (have I eaten half the bag already?)

Chances are you'll feel worse after you've finished your snack, if not from a stomach ache, then a guilty conscience. Try keeping your hands busy with something else.

There are a lot of activities that are just as repetitive and the hand to mouth action of eating, and with practice, can be just as mindless. Knitting, doodling and other small crafts are often good choices. Small chores can also be used to keep your hands busy; folding laundry or sorting change for example.

Occupy Your Brain If you can get yourself away from the TV and immerse yourself in a project mentally, you'll get the extra benefits of avoiding commercials for high sugar and calorie laden products. Possibly learn something new, or improve a skill set.

Need some ideas? Read a book, paint a picture, have an engaging conversation or write an article for Helium. If you're focused on the task you're doing, your mind won't have time to get bored, wander and think up ways to get some instant gratification.

Occupy Your Body Getting physical is another way to keep your brain out of the cookie jar. Pop in an exercise tape or jog on the spot.

Turn on some tunes and dance around the house. Your brain will be so busy managing all of the systems that it takes to let you do that activity it won't waste its time worrying about food (unless you over do it and really get hungry... you need to find a balance).

The added benefit here is you'll have feel good endorphins traveling around in your blood stream which can make you feel more energized.

But I Really am Hungry!

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