Afternoons are the worst for snacking. I can get through the morning, get through lunch time but as mid afternoon rolls around I am standing starting at the fridge/pantry looking for something to eat, even though I know there isn't anything there because I run a "snack free" house (apart from kids snacks).

Fruit just doesn't cut it, I want something sweet and heavy that I can get my teeth into.

How do you move past the afternoon munchies?? (I manage to get through evenings ok as well, afternoons are my biggest weakness).

I plan a snack in the afternoon into my calories. Something good, like a bag of 100 cal popcorn ( sometimes with string cheese), or a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich. Usually in the 100-150 cal range. It helps get me through until dinner. I have a hard time controlling eating after lunch. This, and planning a lot fewer calories in the morning and a big dinner, help a lot.

Hey there - no reason at all you need to cut out snacks! Fighting the urge to snack for the rest of your life isn't practical -- instead -- cut out a few of those lunch/breakfast calories and use them to have a nice snack in the afternoon.

If I know I'm going to treat myself to a glass of wine or some chips/salsa during a football game, I just balance the daily calories to be able to fit that in.

Good luck!

A serving of Almonds really does it for me. I have a serving around 3:00-4:00 and I am not hungry until diner time (which is usually 7:30-8:00). They are great for breakfast too!

I have to have an afternoon snack, otherwise I'd be famished by the time I get home in the evening. But like others said, I always plan this into my day. Before I leave for work in the morning I usually pack 4 "meals"- (1) breakfast, (2) morning snack, (3) lunch, (4) afternoon snack.....then when I get home I have dinner and sometimes an evening snack.

I was so glad to hear that others have the same downfall as I do. Afternoons are my worst! By 3:30 (I am a teacher) I am stressed, tired, and looking to fill the need with food. I am going to try and start planning heavier more satisfying snacks into this time slot to help me out.

This is my worst time as well! I've combatted it two ways.

1. I eat a large snack or mini meal before leaving work around 3:00. This usually works quite well.

2. I feed my family dinner at 4:30 or 5:00. That way I'm only clock watching for an hour to an hour and a half.

I could eat a full meal at 3:30 or 4:00. I experimented one day when the kids were gone for the evening. I ate dinner at 4:00 and I was not hungry the rest of the evening. If I could just eat an actual meal at that time I'd be good. That's what my body naturally wants. I think it must naturally wind down around 6:00 and this is nature's way of telling me eat now so it has time to work it off. I'm also a morning person, so my body tells me to go to bed early.

Just a theory.

Planning a snack in the afternoon also works for me. And when thatīs no possible for whatever reason, or itīs just an anxiety thing, sugarfree candy always works!

I have a small snack, but most important, a TON of water in the afternoons.

I use string cheese, cashews or apple slices with peanut butter.

The funny thing is, if I am in a meeting I don't even miss or think about the food. It's all a mind game. I know it!