How to combat snacking infront of the TV

Stop for a second and consider how much snacking goes on in front of the TV.



The average New Zealander spends 2-3 hours a night watching TV. That's about 8 ad breaks an hour for a total of 15-25 ad breaks a night. And, what happens when the ads come on? We head for the fridge just to ''see what's inside''.

So here's the TV snack attack plan; it'll help you manage the TV so you can manage your weight and be healthier.

Option 1:

Let's get to the source. If it's not there, you can't eat it! Do a pantry and fridge clear out. Find all the really high fat foods lurking in there, and if they are unopened, donate them to a local food collection bin. Except the ice cream of course - that'll have to go down the drain.

Replace big packets of treat foods with smaller packages. Ignore the 'value deals'. Paying $5 for 3 packets of chocolate biscuits doesn't make them last any longer, does it?! Go low fat and sugar. Buy lower fat and sugar substitutes if you feel like a treats.

Option 2:

Tame the TV. If you watch less TV, there will be fewer adverts to tempt you to the fridge.

The Ultimate - ditch the TV. Go cold turkey and learn to read again, talk to your husband, wife, partner, flatmate or neighbour (anyone who'll listen!), pat your pet, play with friends, get out more.

Hide it.
• Take your TV out of the lounge
• Pick one programme a night to watch then turn it off
• Remember 'Carless Days'? Have 'TV Free nights'

Change your TV habit

• Cut back on junk TV - do you really care who survives/marries/wins/outlasts each other?
• In between your favourite programmes, turn the TV off
• Have a list of things to do when the TV goes off
• Stack books and magazines next to your TV to distract you

If you're planning to hire a video, grab it during the day. There will be a better selection and you'll be less likely to grab chocolate and ice cream to go with the movie.

Aim to try 1 or 2 items from each option. You'll have more time, spend less snacking, still enjoy your favourite TV programmes and you might even find you sleep better. I know I do. Next week we'll look at 3 ways to fit in a great breakfast - a major strategy for stacking the odds in your favour.