Question:
What can I do about late night eating.
I can do really great during the day, and eat sensibly, drink the water or crystal light, eat protein, exercise then at night, especially around bed time, I find it hard not to eat. My dietician told me not to snack in bed, so I haven't but it is so difficult. Please tell me how I can stop the late night hunger or head hunger. This was my habit before surgery and I still am not over it. Thanks. P.S. I am already seeing a therapist about this. — Lois M. (posted on February 4, 2002)
February 3, 2002
Dear Lois...I'm really glad you're seeing a therapist. I don't have an
answer for you, but I know I had the same problem. I was seeing my
therapist for quite a few months before my surgery, she's a specialist in
eating disorders, and I was able to regain control of my eating before
surgery. It helped me a lot. I wouldn't DREAM of eating in bed now, 4
months post, I'd totally forgotten about that, so I must have gotten over
it! But I still think of eating at the computer during the night, when I
wake up...that was another habit of mine. I'd be up at least once a night,
and eat a full meal (pre op)...now, I have water...lots of it. I still
find myself opening the refrigerator now and then, but I just DON"T
eat at night. And the few times I gave in, early on, I had a no sugar
added fudgesicle, or a s/f hot chocolate...don't even need those now
though. Plus, I'm actually sleeping better, and often don't get up at all.
Best wishes to you. Keep going to that therapist...Yvonne
— Yvonne R.
February 4, 2002
I understand whatyou mean and I wonder for all of our sakes...why don't we
just go to bed at a decent time? It seems that when you stay up later, you
might be tempted to eat even when not needing to out of boredom, etc. We
are all fairly sleep deprived anyway, so my suggestion for me as well is to
try to got to be at an earlier time. Sounds simple, but I'm going to give
it a shot too. Good Luck!
— Molly S.
February 4, 2002
I am sometimes ACTUALLY hungry (not just head hunger) at bedtime. I usually
have a small piece of cheese, a piece of fruit, or half a protein bar. I
don't think it has hurt me, but then again my dr's advice was to eat when
hungry. If you really are hungry, have something good for you. If it is
head hunger, I agree with the s/f hot chocolate idea. It makes you feel
pampered! I don't usually eat my snack in bed and if it's a psychological
thing, you may want to sit at the table or something. Good luck!
— ctyst
February 4, 2002
I share this experience. My nutritionist suggested a protein
snack before bedtime. Not a protein drink, something solid, a boiled egg
or some
fish or poultry. I usually have a boiled egg or to have some
variety, I have three whole wheat crackers with a bit of peanut
butter on each...just a smidgin. Try not to drink anything with
the snack because you want to stay full until you fall asleep.
— [Anonymous]
February 4, 2002
I thought that I was the only one with this problem. I get really hungry
late at night. I try so hard to just go ahead and get to sleep, but
sometimes even my prescribed sleep medicine doesn't help. It is just
something about that "full" feeling. I find that warm plain
oatmeal helps me, although now I think that I will try to find something
with protein instead of a carb.
— KLandrum
February 4, 2002
This was probably my deepest shame pre op.I just couldn't get to sleep
without eating, and frequently in large quantities too.Now , at 3 weeks
post op, I obviously can't eat in quantity anymore, but it is still the
most difficult time of day for me.I, too have had much therapy and yet
still find this an unresolved issue.I wish I could give you an answer - but
at least I can tell you your'e not alone.Good Luck.
— Stephanie H.
February 4, 2002
I think it's hard to be so obsessed with food. Late at night, if I am still
up and feel hungry, I try to figure out if it's real hunger. If it is, I
eat a protein food that is LEAST attractive to me... I play a little game
and eat something good for me that I do not "like" -- I know if I
still want it then, that I am actually hungry. :-) Usually this ends up
being a protein shake, but sometimes it's the non-fat cheddar cheese that I
found. If I'm not physically hungry, I drink up to a half liter of Crystal
Light or water, which satisfies the "put something in the mouth"
urge. I am down 100 lbs in 20 weeks (from 310) so I would guess that this
is a reasonable method, for me at least. :-) I do drink at least 3.5 liters
of water/CL a day, and eat when I am hungry with minimal snacking.
— Julia M.
February 4, 2002
thank you for bringing this concern to the fore. I also eat at night and
have yet to overcome this terrible habit. I am seeing a therapist, but not
specifically one that specializes in eating disorders. Another response to
your concern suggests seeing a specialist in this area. It may be the thing
to do for BOTH of us. Good luck.
— michelle R.
February 4, 2002
Although I do take protein supps throughout the day, my rule for cravings
is so simple. I can have "it" (fill in bad food of choice) if I
want it bad enough to go buy it (it won't be HERE), BUT FIRST I just need
to drink this protein supp right here. I can't get too much, so no danger
there. I have NEVER (in 7 + years) wanted "it" badly enough
after a protein to get in the car and go get "it". I can't TELL
you the relief from guilt this little trick has given me. *I* am in charge
of the food, not vice versa.
— vitalady
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