Curbing the urge to snack while working from home? Here is some essential information to keep in mind.

If you find yourself snacking more frequently now that you’re spending more time at home, it’s important to understand why this might be happening. According to registered nutritionist and dietitian Brandon Gruber, there are a few reasons behind this. Firstly, there has been a significant change in our daily routines due to working from home or not working at all. This change in routine and lack of structure can lead to irregular meal times and a less balanced diet, increasing the need to snack throughout the day. Secondly, environmental factors play a role as well. Our home environments are often different from our workplace, and having snacks readily available can tempt us to eat more frequently. Additionally, stress levels may be higher, leading some individuals to have an increased appetite and use eating as a form of procrastination. It’s worth noting, however, that snacking is not necessarily a bad thing. If your overall diet is healthy and balanced, and snacking provides a temporary mood boost, it may not be an issue that needs addressing. However, if you do feel the need to address it, Gruber suggests looking at factors such as eating and sleep schedules, stress management, and meal balance. It’s important to be intentional about snacking and consider portion sizes as well. As for alternative snack options, Gruber recommends roasted beans/lentils/peas, trail mix (which can be combined with roasted beans or lentils), yogurt and dairy in place of ice cream, and air-popped popcorn with a bit of oil and salt. For those with a sweet tooth, making a sweeter hummus or baking chocolate chips and peanut butter inside a banana can be enjoyable options. Ultimately, it’s important to be kind to yourself during this uncertain time and recognize that expecting ourselves to adapt to drastic changes overnight is not always realistic.