What am I doing wrong?? - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

Happy4Me · 02-05-2007, 10:56 AM

I eat very healthy during the day but in the middle of the night, I get up and eat something sweet (grahm crackers, etc. & milk). I am actually shaking and feel sick until I eat them. Here is my typical daily diet:

Breakfast @ 8am:
Old fashioned oatmeal with honey and lofat milk
natural unsweetened apple juice
coffee w/splenda

Snack @ 10 am:
prunes

Lunch @ noon:
Tuna on a low carb whole wheat wrap with spinach and avocado
Water

Snack @ 2pm:
celery sticks w/hoummus

Dinner @ 5pm:
grilled skinless/boneless chicken breast
green salad w/spinach and tomatoes w/red wine vinegar
steamed zucchini
hoummus

Snack @ 7pm:
healthy choice popcorn 100 calorie bag
lofat hot chocolate

I think this is a good diet. I don't understand why I'm having these cravings in the middle of the night. I don't have any sweet cravings during the day???

Naxis · 02-05-2007, 02:38 PM

What time do you go to bed? How many hours between your last snack and the shaky/ill feeling? My knee-jerk response is that you need to go see a doctor. If you're physically feeling shaky and ill, you may be having a diabetic response (hypoglycemia), or some other problem that should probably be addressed. That's a very healthy diet, but unless you're going way too long between the last meal and sleep, you should not be feeling that way. You can try changing up you last snack to something with a little more substance (can of tuna and non-fat cheese? hardboiled egg? Carrot sticks?) and see if that lasts a little longer, but if timing is right on and changing foods makes no difference, it's best to be sure all your bases are covered.

Happy4Me · 02-05-2007, 02:56 PM

Thanks, Naxis.

I am hypoglycemic. This is the reason for the 6 small meals a day. I try to keep my blood sugar at an even level at all times. I am trying to lose weight after having a baby 15 months ago. I'm exercising and eating well but having a hard time taking it off. The only thing I am doing wrong, that I can figure out, is the eating in the middle of the night. I'm sure that's packing on the pounds or should I say.........keeping on the pounds??!!

To answer your question: I usually go to bed at about 10 or 11pm. I am trying not to eat past 7 pm to help with the weight loss. I've had my thyroid checked because my mother and grandmother have underactive thyroids. Mine checked out fine. I'm trying sooo hard not to eat the sweets in the night but it's like I'm a out of control drug addict or something!! Really, really weird!! It's really upsetting me. I think to myself..........do I have an eating disorder or what??

Naxis · 02-05-2007, 03:08 PM

Having only cocoa and popcorn 3 hrs before bed is not the best "last meal". You need more fiber, and ideally something more nutrient dense. Your blood sugar is probably crashing and when you get cravings like that, it's your body telling you it needs *something*. Try ONE tablespoon of natural peanut butter or almond butter an hour before bed. Protein and healthy fats in there and only 100 calories. It is digested and burned slowly and should not hinder fat loss. If iy keeps you from binging, it's automatically a better option.

Just make those little changes and I think you'll feel much better.

Happy4Me · 02-05-2007, 03:13 PM

Thanks. I'll give it a try. I appreciate your help!!