Feel SO Hopeless: Night Eating

I'm am three years out ,Dec. 1 this year, only in a few weeks. At about the 2 year mark I started that horrible habit of night eating. I do fairly well all day, then about 11:00 PM it all breaks loose. I've worried, cried, prayed, talked it out, journaled, you name it. I'd love to see one night that I don't do this. I've often thought, I need to eat more during the day, but my calories and protein are high enough. I know, I need a solid plan and stick to it. Make a wide awake conscience decision and stick to it. I have gained about 18 lbs and this insanity HAS TO STOP. Truthfully, looking on this GRAD board has encourage me more than anything. I never ever binge on veggies or fruit, always stuff like crackers & peanut butter, cinnamon toast, even ice cream, chips, cake and candy, Stuff I'd never eat during the day. Please, I am the ONLY ONE????

Hi Kathy,
Okay you identified your eating problem. Plan for a snack at 11pm. You can lose those 18 pounds you put on.
Ideas to eat (and you know what they should be anyway) Peanut butter and apples, string cheese or cheese of any kind, nuts, fresh veggies/fruits.
Find out what you want first though...is it "crunch" or salt or sweet?
2 Tablespoons of ice cream once in awhile won't hurt you but what you decribed is returning to your old eating habits.

Want to forget eating all together at night? Drink water, paint your toenails, take a bubblebath, read a book.

Your right about stopping the insanity. Take charge. You can do this.

DebbieJean,
Thank you so much, I'm printing out your message and posting it on my fridge. You're right,right,right. I can and will do it. Look out for a good report from me.
Kathy

I am a recovering night eater - its hard to deal with but it can be done. My frist suggestion would be to identify why you are eating? For me it was bordeom. I believe certain medications can cause night eating so thats another thing to look at. I made a list of things I could do besides eat... so when I wanted to reach for something I had other options. I also made myself a set meal/snack time and have dinner and allow myself ONE night time snack... I put effort into deciding what I want and practice 'mindful eating' and enjoy it so I am not wanting more. I also sometimes will just go to bed instead of staying up if the urge to snack is too great. I try and stick to around the same bedtime every night as well so that cuts back on the hours I have to eat. Other things I found that helped is I work out after work, after the work I have a protein based snack - chicken salad, tuna, protein shake, greek yogurt... something *packed* with protein - then I eat dinner later... usually 730-830pm... I moved my dinner back because my BF works later than I do and I was finding myself eating dinner twice or snacking when he came home to eat so I just started to wait and eat with him. Then around 930 or so I have my nighttime snack and then head to bed. The only other thing I can say is to try and limit the crud that you have in the house - based on what you listed above you are mostly reaching for sweet snacks (sugar!) so try and limit those are find a few healthy alternatives so if you do reach for something its not as bad. While you say your protein and calories are ok during the day I would also look at the amount of fat and carbs you are eating - make sure you are eating a well balanced diet that isnt leaving you wanting something at the end of the night... if you are limiting your sweet treats during the day perhaps allowing yourself a 'dessert' after lunch and/or dinner will help you from wanting sweets at the end of the night because you already have them?

My suggestion - brush your teeth!  It's hard to eat snacky food when you rmouth tastes like mint...

But I certainly know the feeling - night / evening times are soooo hard not to eat.  You are definitely NOT the only one.

Hi Jennifer,
You've really given me some wonder "helps" I've felt so defeated for so long. After reading your post it seems there are tools/tricks to help. I like you anyway, my oldest daughter is Jennifer K (Kristin) and my middle daughter lives in Waxhall south of Charlotte. Thank you, again.
Kathy

Hi Ruth,
Brushing teeth is an excellent idea, my tooth is moving to the kitchen. I take it you live in the UK (United KIngdom) I've never heard of Letchworth Garden City. I lived in Thetford, Orford, Bury St. Edmunds and Saxmundham, with my military husband. Thanks for the help, believe me I need it.
Kathy
BTW we loved living in England

Hi Kathy,

This may be too simple but I also have trouble with eating late at night if I stay up too late...so I go to bed around 10pm and I faithfully have a snack at 8pm.  If I stay up late - I usually snack and most of the time it's out of boredom.   Going to bed early will initiate the behavior modification you need to make those changes.  Also, if you are a night owl try melatonin - it's a natural supplement to help you fall asleep.

Peace,
Susan
DOS 4/24/07
-127

Hi Sweetpea,
You're so right. I should be in bed asleep like normal people instead of up stuffing my face all night. I do have bad sleep problems. You gave me great advice; everyone has. Thank you.,
Kathy

Warm fluids tames a hungry tummy at night, go for lots of decaff coffee and tea.  It really tames the munchie night moster I have found.