It takes 21 days to break a habit. Day 1 of my 21 days did not go as planned. In fact, I succombed to night eating. I had a late dinner of a bunch of random things and I didn’t sit down and enjoy them. I had the food at my computer. I don’t like eating like this.

I have some theories on what will help me break this habit.

Eat More at Breakfast and Lunch

Like most Americans, my biggest meal is dinner. Think about this for a moment. In countries like France, where the population is NOT statistically obsese, the biggest meal of the day is lunch which is often a multi-course affair. Doesn’t that sound fun and elegant? I am going to do the same thing and really sit and enjoy the meal.

Stop Eating While Distracted

I need to get back in tune with my “fullness” signal. If I am distracted because I am eating while working or watching TV I won’t be in tune with that and end up consuming more calories. Plus, it causes me to eat faster which upsets my stomach.

For each meal that I eat it will be in the kitchen sitting at the table.

Monitor My Progress

Today, I ate past 8 o’clock. I am going to try these two strategies and see if they help. Meanwhile, I am going to work on my willpower. If I can get through the next 20 days, I’ll make “avoiding night eating” a habit.