trying to kick the nighttime snacking

Hi all!
    I have a problem. I do great all day following my band rules and about 2 hours after dinner all I want to do is snack. My favorites are popcorn, cheese and crackers, and ice cream. Even a half hour after I've eaten something, I reach for something else. I know that this is a bad habit I've had for years, but I can't seem to break it. Any suggestions out there?

Jen-

When u get hungry and want to snack have a drink first. At least that's helping get in the fluids. And keep healthy snacks around. Yogurt, cheese sticks, pumpkin seeds, fruit, protein bars, fiber bars, sf pudding, crystal light popsicle, postachios, or get some shrimp steamed at the grocery store, or pick up some from the Chinese buffet and snack on that.

Thanks for your advice, Maria. I guess what you're saying is go ahead and enjoy a snack, just be sure to eat something full of protien and band friendly. I am going grocery shopping tomorrow, and I will be stocking up on a few of the items you mentioned. Thanks, friend!

Oh and I forgot to mention......eat the healthier things MOST of the time! I think it's all about moderation. I feel the reason that I have been able to diet as long as I have this time is:

1. I usually don't buy food that is not a good option and bring it in the house. I have a problem with portion control! If it's there, I'm probably gonna eat it. So I try to keep those things out of the house 90% of the time. If I want it and I have to get in the car.........go to the store......and buy it then........I am much less likely to buy it So that does help me and discourage some of my junk food binges that I want to have, lol.

2. Again this is MOST of the time (If I can eat "right" 90% of the time I feel like I have done good). However if I really want something I will have it. Just not as much, or not as often. I love sweets and I still eat them. I will eat cheesecake, carrott cake, peanutbutter pie, tiramisu, fudge. Just not as often, or as much. But if I tried to eliminate the things I love completely I would feel deprived and would not have been able to stick to the diet this long.

Also I use smaller plates, and I do think this helps. It's just psychological, but if u have a regular size plate or bowl and you see all the empty space it is kind of depressing. If you see a fuller plate, even though it is the same amount you don't notice that it's a smaller amount than you used to eat as much.

Good luck hun!

I'm going through the same thing.  I had my surgery 7 months ago and have been so good with following the band rules.  I've been snaking lately and realized that its probably the reason why I haven't lost an ounce in 3 weeks....  So I'm desperately trying to get back on track!  I've stocked my house with "good snacks" and getting back in the mind set!  Best of luck!!

I struggle with the same thing.  The only way I can succeed is if I 1.) Don't buy the bad stuff that tempts me and 2.) Plan a snack that is healthy and fits into my daily calorie count. 

When I was faithfully following my chosen food/calorie plan I always planned an evening snack.  I've gotten away from that and have a hard time with the constant desire to graze all evening.  I drink licorice tea a lot instead and it's helped a lot.

The Congnitive Behavior Therapy solution is to stop yourself when you're tempted to eat eventhough you know you're not hungry.  Stop long enough to ask yourself what's really bugging you and driving you to the fridge.  When I do this I often discover that it's some other emotion or feeling that I'm avoiding or simply being tired that's causing the reaction to want to eat, eat, eat.  Try keeping a journal handy and take 5 minutes to write down what you're feeling.  For instance, " I feel anxious because of the big meeting I have tomorrow".  Or "I'm really mad at my boss for the comment he made today".  Once I identify what's really bugging me I can can usually put it aside by coming up with a plan for what I'm going to do to address the situation that's causing the emotional reaction.  For instance, "I shouldn't be worried about the meeting tomorrow because I know I'm prepared and organized.  Or, "I'm going to sit down and talk to my boss tomorrow to ask him why he made that comment and let hinm know why it upset me.

Nightime eating is usually emotion based and once I stop long enough to deal with the root issue I know it's not about food at all.  9 times out of 10 if I just go to bed I find out that I'm really just tired, not hungry.

This is a tough one and I still haven't mastered my night time eating issues, but these tools do help when I choose to use them.

Hang in there.  Start with planning what your snack will be, eat it, enjoy it and then shut off the kitchen light!  The Kitchen is CLOSED for the evening!

Best~
Lisa O.

Thanks Lisa! That really makes a lot of sense. I like your idea of writing down my feelings. Thanks for responding! Love your advice!

Jen-

Night Munchies is a monkey on my back, and I lose the battle 50% to 60% of the time.  Warm drinks help me, and can clear your band.  I used to hate flavored coffees, but I have found one that doesn't taste like someone peppered the coffee.  I love the Carmel Truffel flavor, and have it with DH nightly (decaf of course).  I still lose the battle sometimes, but it does help.  If you don't care for coffee,  try some hot teas.  Hope it helps! 

Thank you for posting this topic. I need the advice and suggestions as well.

Hi Jen,

I'm the same way. I do great all day, follow the band rules to a T and not hungry between meals, but after I have my dinner, its downhill from there. All I want to do is snack. Popcorn, ice cream, sweets, anything. Terrible habit I too can't break.

Norma