How to Head Off a Snack Attack

You've heard that you will eat more during meals if you watch TV. But could it cause you to eat more later on, too?

Yep, that's the sneaky little result of a recent study. People who ate lunch while glued to the tube did a whole lotta extra snacking later on -- long after the meal.

Memory Meltdown
The reason? Recall may have something to do with it. When women who lunched while watching a comedy show were later asked what they had for their midday meal, their recollection was fuzzy. And they also snacked on more cookies afterward. The lesson? Take time to focus on what you put into your mouth so that you can remember every bite. Your memory of your most recent meal helps shape your snacking choices. Here's the best way to practice mindful eating.

Saying Bye-Bye to Extra Bites
Try these other tips and tricks for keeping between-meal bites to a minimum:

• Rev up your heart. Regular aerobic workouts appear to dull your appetite. Watch this quick-start walking video that shows you how to walk at home.
• Eat mini meals. That's right: Multiple mini meals do a better job of controlling hunger throughout the day. Try this six-meal plan.
• Choose the right fat. Some fats turn hunger on, others turn it off. Here's the fat you need.

Get 10 more appetite busters from the YOU Docs.

Television watching during lunch increases afternoon snack intake of young women. Higgs, S., Woodward, M., Appetite 2009 Feb;52(1):39-43.