Night Snacking.

We all know how easy it is---mainly because of boredom-- to snack all night long after we have already ate dinner. We will sit and shove one high calorie snack after another in our mouth until we are so stuffed we can't move. Here are a few steps we can take to stop this unhealthy cycle and to also learn to eat more low calorie foods so we don't pack on the pounds.

• Eat slowly - The slower you eat the fuller you get quicker.
• Switch the spicy chips for whole-wheat pretzels dipped in mild chipotle salsa. Subbing deep fried, fatty chips for more nutritious and quick-digesting crunchy pretzels satisfies the taste craving for crunchy and smoky.
  
• Grab some chocolate graham crackers and spread them with some all-natural jam or a smidge of peanut butter. While not totally all natural or sugar-free, it satisfies the sweet tooth and gives us some fruit and protein.

Here are a few low calorie snacks to choose instead of high calorie junk food:

1. If craving chocolate try "Hershey Kisses" - only 100 calories in three pieces.
2. Half a cup of strawberries and lite Cool Whip - Only 90 calories.
3. One half an english muffin and a teaspoon of protein-packed peanut butter - 95 calories.
4. 2 sheets of graham crackers - 100 calories.
5. Jello fat-free pudding - pick your favorite flavor - 100 calories.
6. Frozen yogurt - 3 ounces - 100 calories.
7. A cup of juicy cherries - 100 calories.
8. One hard boiled egg - 81 calories.
9. 10 raw almonds - 100 calories.
10. 3 cups of air-popped popcorn - 93 calories.

Smart Choices = Better Health

image/ref found - nationalpost.com, aolhealth.com