It’s 2:33 in the A.M. and you’re anchored to the fridge. It’s the calm before the storm and you’re about to be unleashed. Then suddenly, in a whimsical delight, you’ve polished off the rest of dinner, your signiVicant other’s leftovers, washed it down with a caffeine-laced diet drink and even considered Vinishing that thing changing color in the drawer down below.
You stumble back, hit the rest room and trudge back to bed. But sleeping is not an option as guilt; false energy (caffeine) and too much energy (see earlier) beckon the call to sleep. As you sit upon the edge of bed, your shoulders slumped low and your head hanging onto your now stuffed belly, you wonder why you ruined a seemingly perfect day of eating with this sudden gorge fest. You suggest it was an almost perfect day as you barely ate…or was it?
ANSWER: Consider your nutritional protocol as a bridge. One point will not support the drive, whereas multiple stakes or pillars will insure a safe and sturdy ride across. The body works in much the same way. One or two meals a day will actually slow one’s metabolism whereas 4-5 small meals will fuel activity and keep one’s metabolism revved. Of course these meals should be one part lean protein and two thirds low-glycemic (low-sugar – long-term energy) carbs and Vibrous (digestive) carbs.
QUESTION: “What about tapering carbs as the day goes on?” I see you’ve been reading the magazines again. And yes, this theory seems to work, provided you can pull it off and not raid the fridge as discussed earlier. The key rests upon looking into the future. Meaning, if protein and some veggies for your last meal will keep you from binging then great. I personally know that Domino’s will be delivering later that night were I to not include complex carbs as part of my dinner. Look ahead and you will do less damage later.
As far as further curtailing nighttime hunger, what can one do without giving into sinful temptation?
1. Plan a cheat meal sometime during the week and preferably earlier in the day when you know you’ll still be active. Looking forward to this meal will help to keep you honest for the long term.
2. Introduce a healthy fat during dinner so as to satiate – nuts, peanut butter, top round or salmon are excellent foods that will help to curtail the beast that is hunger.
3. Drink, drink, and drink! Water, diet iced tea or diet soda (caffeine-free so close to bedtime) will help to create a sense of fullness.
4. Near caloric-free foods in quantity before bedtime. Tricks I’ve used include: air-popped popcorn, rinsed pickles, egg-white omelets topped with salsa and frozen diet soda ice pops.
5. RTD (Ready to Drink) Protein Drinks. My favorites include LEAN BODY RTD by LABRADA and SYNTHA-6 RTD by BSN. These meal replacements are heavy on protein, less on carbs and even provide Viber – yay! Remember to check the Archives section of holliswashere.com for a complete listing of these articles and to keep your questions and comments coming – both they and you are greatly appreciated!
Warm wishes,
Hollis