Member/Employer/Provider
     

 
After Work Eaters Do Have Options

Regardless of the shift a person works, it is common to come home and head for the refrigerator or pantry. Occasionally due to actual hunger, but more often due to the “I can relax now” feeling associated with being home. When planned, snacks can be a welcome part of the day, but when unplanned, they often result in unwanted pounds. If you are trying to reduce the snacks, read on.Think about a day when your routine after work was altered. Was the snack still necessary or were you able to skip it because you were occupied? If it was not missed, it is likely you are not eating out of hunger, but rather habit. So, what can you do?Alternative activities give you options. Think of things you can realistically do when you arrive home that are not associated with eating. List them for future reference. Try to come up with 3-5 things that “need to be done” around the house, and 3-5 things you might enjoy. Post them on the refrigerator. Try your best to stay out of the kitchen. The following examples may give you some ideas. 

Have to Do

Like to Do
First shift  
Clean a closet Go for a brisk walk
Fold laundry Read a chapter
Dust the bedroom Window shop for 30 minutes
Pick up the dry cleaning Have a cup of tea and catch up on the newspaper
Mow the lawn Work in the garden
Second shift (avoid evening caffeine)  
Iron 2 shirts Read a chapter or listen to a CD
Organize a junk drawer Take a hot shower or bath
Fold laundry while Watch a chapter of a DVD or movie segment watching TV after you  brush your teeth
Pick up the front room Page through a non-food magazine
  Surf the Internet for pleasure
Third Shift: (avoid caffeine before sleeping)  
Change the bedding Read a chapter or listen to a CD with your eyes closed
Do a load of laundry Take a hot shower or leisurely bath
Run an errand on the way home Read the morning newspaper
  Take a leisurely walk
  Surf the Internet for pleasure

Choices will depend on your personal life and the time of day. In about a month, you will find a new habit has developed. However, during this initial month, keep your list handy, review it daily, and add new ideas often. Be sure to keep track of how well you do and reward your efforts. A new book, scented shower gel, music CD or DVD are ideas if you need to unwind. A disc-man, a pedometer, or a new garden tool if you need to pick up the pace.

“You can’t adjust the wind, but you can adjust the sail.” 
anonymous

 

 
Copyright Prairie States Enterprises, Inc.    Chicago, IL   Sheboygan, Wi     (800) 615-7020     sales1@prairieontheweb.com