Ask the Personal Trainer

Joni Hyde is a Certified Personal Trainer and owner of WorkoutsForWomen.com

Q. I am an advanced exerciser who works out 6 days a week. I'm 32, 5'6" at 125lbs and I'm not weight conscious I just always maintained this weight since 10th grade. My problem is now I'm finding myself hungry at night(nothing satisfies my cravings) I'm not pregnant, I don't take any drugs or pills! Do you have any advice for me to stop my cravings or suggestions to help me feel full? Francine

A. That urge to inhale every sugary and salty snack in your pantry and fridge plagues many a woman and often times it strikes every night. You may not even really be hungry... maybe just bored, stressed or just in the habit of snacking at night.

The feeling is the same. You end up going to bed feeling defeated, bloated and depressed.

Here are three solutions to help you put the brakes on your PM cravings.

1. Eat Enough During The Day. Skipping meals, restricting yourself from one or more of the food groups, or restricting calories during the day will make it more likely that you'll eat empty calorie snack at night. Eat smart during the day and the evenings will be easier.

2. Form Good Habits. Often times evening munching can become your routine. Change the routine by alternating your evening activities. Instead of plopping down on the couch with Häagen-Dazs carton, pick up a book or do a lite yoga tape. Also, brush and floss your teeth right after dinner to signal your brain that eating is over for the day. Have a cup of hot tea instead of the usual munchies.

3. Indulge Yourself A Little In Something Else. Many ladies use evening snacking as a way to relieve stress and treat themselves after a long day. Instead, indulge yourself with a bath, soft music and some aromatherapy candles.

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WorkoutsForWomen.com provides home exercise programs for today's busy women, under the guidance of a certified personal trainer.