Tips to Help You Maintain Your Weight While Watching Your Favorite Television Shows

Television networks are cashing in on the popularity of top rated shows such as American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Apprentice and The Bachelorette by making each episode two to three hours in length.

American Idol and Dancing with the Stars also have result shows which add another hour or two onto an individual's weekly television viewing time.

If you are watching these popular shows, you may not even realize how many hours a week you are sitting idle watching television.

With every hour of programming, there is approximately 18 minutes of commercials. That's 18 minutes of boredom staring at advertisements for food. Who isn't going to be tempted to grab a bag of chips while sitting through that many minutes of commercials?

When watching American Idol, have you ever had the urge to drink a can of Coke? That's exactly why the makers of Coke sponsor American Idol. They know that if you see a Coke cup sitting in front of the judges you are more likely to be tempted to grab one for yourself.

When you combine hours of inactivity with snacking on unhealthy foods, chances are you are going to gain weight while watching these popular television shows.

Below are some tips to help you maintain your weight while enjoying shows like American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Apprentice and The Bachelorette.

Healthy Snacks
Many people get the munchies when sitting idle for two to three hours watching television. Don't even tempt yourself by purchasing junk food such as chips, cookies, ice cream and pop. Instead, make sure you have healthy snacks available like fruit or plain popcorn.

Stop eating after 8:00 p.m.
Make it a rule that you cannot eat after 8:00 p.m.. Once I set this rule for myself my weight has become much easier to maintain. The trick is to not let yourself cheat!

Avoid ice cream
I personally have found that ice cream adds on the pounds faster than any other snack. If you're serious about losing or maintaining your weight, then you have to cut out ice cream. Save the ice cream for special occasions.

Run errands during commercials
With 18 minutes of commercials an hour, there is plenty of time to get off the couch and do some quick chores around the house. Folding laundry is an excellent way to combine housework with watching television.

Record your favorite shows
Recording your favorite shows will allow you to skip the commercials and fast forward through all of the extra filler material that the networks use to fill up the two-hour time slot.

Watch only the very end of results shows
I'm amazed how American Idol and Dancing with the Stars can make a two-hour show out of announcing who is voted off. Most of the results shows are just a repeat of what happened the night before. Typically you can get all the information you need just by tuning into the last ten minutes of the results shows.

Exercise during the shows
Why not make watching television a positive thing in your life by exercising while watching television? Try walking on a treadmill or using a stationary bike while watching your favorite television shows.

Set a time limit for television watching
Give yourself a set amount time that you are allowed to watch television each week. In the beginning of the week go through the tv guide and plan out which shows you will watch.

Drink water
Try to avoid the urge to snack by drinking plenty of water. Not only is water good for you, but it will give you a reason to get up during the commercials to go to the bathroom!