In the evening hours, television has become the primary means of entertainment for many. According to Nielsen ratings, the average household watches about 54 hours of television a week. Most of this programming is watched in the evening.

Unfortunately, because of this diversion, unhealthy eating habits have formed. Snacking in front of the television is becoming a favorite past time for us. The snacks you choose are usually easy to prepare and taste great, but are bad for your waistline.

Potato chips are one of the more popular options that people snack on while watching their favorite shows. While they’re easy to eat, they also come in many flavors and different textures. Ice cream is another example of a popular TV snack for the same reason.

What is it that drives us to scarf down snacks during our favorite programs? For some, it’s a bad habit that’s developed over time. For others, it may be a temptation brought on by the endless amount of commercials that promote the snacks you crave.

Regrettably, too much snacking and sitting will eventually turn into an expanded waistline. How can this be prevented? If you feel the need to munch on something, try to opt for a healthier choice. But even a healthy snack can be pointless if you consume too much in one sitting.

The biggest problem with snacking in front of the television is that you’re easily distracted from the bag of chips or tub of ice cream in front of you and before you know it, most of it’s in your belly. Try to keep your snack to a sensible portion, such as a small bowl.

Low-level exercise is a great alternative to useless snacking. Walk on that treadmill! Ride that exercise bike! Or get on that elliptical! It only takes about half hour to get the benefits from it. Not only are you distracted from exercising, but your attention is diverted from food.

You could also try to limit the amount of time you spend watching television. Spend quality time with your family by playing games or engaging in a hobby that everyone can enjoy. Or you could just sit back and read a good book.

Moderation is key, in both time spent watching television and snacking in front of it. Keeping yourself under control will help keep any bad habits from forming and will help you maintain a manageable waistline.