You may not have heard the word snackcident before, but chances are that you’ve had at least one or two of them this past month. When a snack is consumed in an accidental, often regrettable way it can referred to as a snackcident. Sounds familiar? Well maybe not but we’re sure you’ve had at least a couple of snackcidents over the last month around 4pm just after lunch and before your tea break. We seem to have no problem sticking to our diet when have a task at hand or when we’re busy with work but as soon as we reach home we find ourselves inevitably drawn to the kitchen shelves looking for chips and biscuits even when we weren’t hungry.

1.) Stock up on healthy alternatives

Just like any accident the best way to tackle it is to prevent it from happening in the first by taking precautionary methods. The best way to prevent detrimental snackcidents is to start hoarding your house with healthy snacks in the first place.

2.) Change your snack choices

Trade out high calorie snacks for healthier options. Avoid anything with high fructose syrup or preservatives (some flavored salty snacks have preservatives that make you want more). Stick to sea salt flavors and whole foods like sliced cucumber in vinegar, air popped popcorn, thinly sliced cheese (or cheese stick), berries (lower in calories than other fruits), meat jerky, hot tea or a protein shake. Another smart way to avoid a snackcident is to opt for healthy snacks like baked chips.Avoid consuming anything food items that are high in preservatives which end up leaving you wanting for more. If most accidents happen around 4pm which is often tea time make sure you have some whole wheat khari or baked whole grain chips.

3.) Start new habits

If you are in the habit of snacking, start new habits like stretching while watching TV. Hold hands and snuggle with your spouse. Do productive things that keep you busy like doing a mani/pedi, fold clothes, sip on hot tea, polish your jewelry or clean out your purse.

4.) Reduce TV time

If you struggle with snacking while watching TV, quit watching so much TV.  Take a long relaxing bath to ease aching muscles and help you wind down. Sit on the porch and spend some quiet time with your spouse, or play a board game with your kids. We have plenty of things we can do that are helpful and healthier than just sitting on the couch.

5.) Go to bed

How many calories would we save if we went to bed earlier? Seriously! Honestly, most of us are overworked, overstressed and under-rested. We need more sleep and more time to let our mind rest and our body heal from our workouts. It wouldn’t kill us to hit the sack earlier! A matter of fact, we probably all need it! So every time your tummy grumbles or you hold a snack near your mouth, stop, and ask yourself if this is a snackcident or not.