I know that nighttime eating is a prob ... (oops, almost said problem) ... it's a challenge for many of us, so I thought I would share my number one secret as to how to stop eating at the end of the day.
Before I share this vital information, I want you to know that it has worked for me for close to 8 years now. I used it during my weight loss journey (50 pounds gone 4ever!), and I now use this strategy as part of my maintenance plan.
Here it is ...
... I end my 'food' day with a nice, hot cup of flavorful tea. That's right - once the tea is poured, the kitchen is closed and all thoughts of food are channeled in creative, artistic and family matters.
For a long time, I was into cinnamon tea, but recently, for variety's sake, I switched to peppermint. I noticed that I was not only enjoying its delectably sweet taste, but I was also getting off on its aroma. A mighty duo; smell & taste!
Peppermint (mentha piperita) is a naturally occurring sterile hybrid mint - a cross between spearmint and water mint. It has a high menthol content, and is often used to flavor tea, ice cream, candy (ahhh ... love those Peppermint Patties - see calories content below*) chewing gum, and toothpaste.
In addition to its unique flavor, it is also valued for its medicinal properties. Peppermint oil (which comes from steam-distilling the plant's leaves and stems) is used as a muscle relaxant, particularly in the digestive tract, and it helps reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Peppermint may ...
Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Its antispasmodic effect provides relief of abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
Relieve Nausea and Vomiting - Both peppermint tea and peppermint oil capsules anesthetize the stomach's mucous lining.
Control Flatulence and Relieve Diverticulitis - Peppermint relaxes the digestive system.
Reduce Heartburn - The menthol strengthens the flow of digestive juices.
Fight Bad Breath - Apply a few drops of peppermint oil to the tongue.
Lessen Muscle Aches and Pains - Peppermint first stimulates the nerves by producing a cool sensation and then desensitizes the nerves that pick up the pain message, thus the brain is fooled.
Relieve Congestion and Cough Due to the Common Cold and Allergies - Peppermint reduces inflammation in the nasal passages. Inhaling the menthol, while drinking peppermint tea, may also help to lessen symptoms.
Fight Stress - When added to the bath, the aroma of the peppermint oil may help to relieve tension.
Caution: Never ingest pure menthol (the main ingredient in peppermint oil). Even one teaspoon can be fatal.
If you have a hiatal hernia, stay away from peppermint oil. Symptoms will intensify!
Do not apply peppermint oil to the chest or nostrils of a child under five years of age. It can cause a choking feeling.
Stay away from peppermint if you have gallstones.
If you are pregnant, do not ingest large doses of peppermint oil. It's natural ability to relax can relax your uterus right into labor!
* One (39 g) Peppermint Pattie contains 160 calories; 25 form fat; Carbohydrates, 32 grams, Protein, less than 1 gram.
I guess that's it. So, drink peppermint tea, be healthy, end nighttime eating! Close that kitchen down!!!
Inspired links:
Restless Nights
The Secret to My 50 Pound Weight Loss
Weight Loss Inspiration!
Spread the word ... NOT the icing!
Janice
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janice Taylor is a Life & Wellness Coach, specializing in weight loss, reinvention, transformation & happiness, author, seminar leader and 50-pound-BIG-Time-LOSER! Write Janice for an Introductory Coaching Session.
For more motivation and inspiration, join the Kick in the Tush Club: Beliefnet Chapter.
Pick up a copy of Janice's latest: All Is Forgiven, Move ON ~ Our Lady of Weight Loss's 101 Fat-Burning Steps on Your Journey to Sveltesville!
"Janice Taylor is a certain kind of kooky genius ~ see if her idiosyncratic diet plan will work for you." ~ O, The Oprah Magazine
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUpon
Subscribe
If you grown mint, try to do it in a container -- left to its own devices it is unstoppable and will take over your yard. And it is powerful - I got choked up trying to dig it up to the point I had to get out of that area.
Janice, that is a great idea about closing with the tea -- a signal to your brain that it's time to slow down for the night.
Happy Easter All!
Scientific Studies have established that Wulong/Oolong Tea is high in health-promoting "polymerized polyphenols" that may protect us against cancer and other diseases as well as speeding up the metabolism, burn fat causing it to be helpful in fighting obesity.
We are such creatures of habit that I really think this would work. Just repeat the "dance" every evening and after awhile, it would become second nature. Thanks for this great tip! I love reading your articles and love the feed (sorry:-) back that you get from your readers.
Thanks for the warning about peppermint and gallstones. I had no idea! I will stay away from peppermint.
I like to have a cup of tea or coffee after dinner to "close things out" as well. Also, I find that if you eat around 3 or 4 hours before bedtime, you don't get hungry for that late night snack...
When I visit my parents who eat at 5:00 or 5:30 pm, and who DON'T stay up till 1 in the morning, I'm ravenous at the wrong time because I've eaten way too early for how long I'm awake.
Thanks!!!
Sorry - let me try again - I made a mistake on my previous comment. I'll try again.
Great advice for those of us that fight this terrible battle with overeating. Especially night time eating. For me that is the most difficult time of day. I will definitely try some peppermint tea tonight, and try to keep the kitchen closed. I stumbled across this nice article about David Kessler's new book href="http://optimalbodyweight.com/blog/book-reviews/end-of-overeating/end-overeating-food-rehab-obesity">End of Overeating. I thought it described our problems very nicely and also offered good advice on how to change our lifestyles to compensate for all these emotional triggers.
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.