Runaway Train Called "NightEating"

So many times I have asked for help concerning this horrible habit of night eating. It's breaking my heart to have gained 10 - 20 30 - and now 40 lbs back. Each week/day I try to start afresh, however I haven't seen a complete week of victory in a couple years. Never dreamed I'd be back to eating candy,cake,ice-cream, donuts, etc. I know "JUST Stop" Truthfully, most days are fine... after say 10:00 PM the floodgates of defeat fall down. I don't know what more to do, I honestly "cry-out-for-help" then return to those old destructive habits. Night eating, everynight, always, consist of sugar & carbs. One more time.... please help!
Kathy

This is one of my toughest as well... I am trying to think of things that can help..... I have tried keeping my scale in the kitchen, my daily food journal on the fridge as a reminder, a pre surgery picture, as well as desired weight picture. Sometimes they work some days not, so In addition to all that, I am going about it the same way I quit smoking.... One awful craving at a time. Just try to have the will power to resist temptation and getback to where I want to be. I hope some of these can help others. If anyone else has any info please share.


Good Kuck!

I am on the same train. Not eating donuts but eating carbs at night and too many. I have kept the special treats out of the house but I will eat anything at night. Graham crackers that "are for the kids" etc. I have tried going to bed earlier and chewing gum. Sometimes if I brush my teeth at 8pm and then chew gum the mint taste will discourage me from eating. But sometimes not.

I have the same issue.  So - this week - I decided to be in bed by 10 p.m.
At night - we are tired - and the body to try to stay awake - makes us eat.  Try to take a shower at 9;30 p.m. drink nice soothing tea  - and try to go to bed early... I know I will.

Laura...Jessica and Hala you three have been such a wonderful encourgament to me. Night-eating alone has caused me to gain , a sad, 40 lbs..

I feel like I didn't say much but I wanted you to know you are not alone!

 Hi Kathy,

Believe me when I tell you we are kindred souls.  Right down to the night eating.  As I'm trying to get back on track I have stopped putting those tantalizing things in the kitchen, like ice cream ( my biggie), and other sweets.  I have REPLACED  such things with sugar free popsicles and bags of frozen fruit.  You can get a 6lbs. bag of frozen fruit ( peaches, mango, strawberry, & pineapple ) at Sam's Club for a little over $8/bag.  I'm sure other wholesale club stores carry this as well.  You can also get a 4lbs. bag at Walmart for about $7.  Try drinking a glass of water before you put the "sweeties" in your mouth.  Maybe you'll have less room.  

I know stopping a habit is hard, but one technique is replacement.  You can't eat candy, cake, ice cream, donuts etc, if you don't put them there.  The next time you're in the store and not in a feeding frenzy by some substitutes to take home.  You'll satisfy your craving and when you succeed at that you'll get more motivation.

I'll help you as I can.  We're a lot alike.  

Best, Ray

Night eating! I hear that....we have trained ourselves with the several small meals and I don't think night is an exception. Before bed around 10pm I always have a high protein snack, a cheese stick and turkey breast, greek yogurt or a protein bar. This really helps me get to the morning but when I do wake up starving around 3am I usually head for a handful of almonds and back to bed. I just had to make my night eating work for me since I couldn't seem to break the habit. Plus I think my body just wants something around 3am! Actually it is 4am right now!!