Emotional night time eating - Weight Loss Message Board

Flyerfan · 06-14-2005, 05:44 PM

I do pretty good with my eating during the day (some afternoons are hard). After dinner, in the evening, that's when I am at my weakest. I graze the kitchen for all kinds of junk food. I cannot settle for one little 150 calorie dessert. Noooooo. I eat over half my daily calories after 5 pm. That's not good I know it. If I keep busy or leave the house, I am good. But, sit me down in front of the TV and I'm totally done for. Three years ago I started eating better and excercising faithfully. Now, I hover around 170 lbs. and am very disciplined with exercise, doing cardio and strength training 6 days a week. I guess I use that as an excuse to eat more. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to overcome the evil munchies? You know the ones that tell you, "It's OK, go ahead and eat a cookie......or 10".

bluehen94 · 06-14-2005, 05:52 PM

Well, I hate to sound like a Dr. Phil preacher, but I think you have to replace the behavior. If night time is when you snack a lot switch things up. Maybe take your shower at night, do house chores or other work at night, keep busy and replace that eating with something else and make sure you are eating enough during the day so you don't get snacky at night. Hope this helps.

niki84 · 06-14-2005, 05:54 PM

Do you have a picture of yourself when you were heavier? Or even a picture of yourself of where you want to be when your done with your weight loss journey?
I think sitting a picture by what ever you know you'll give into will really make you think twice about what your about to eat.
I actually have a before and goal picture on the fridge so i have to look at it before i open the door.

BethyGirlie · 06-14-2005, 09:10 PM

My biggest suggestion is: don't keep junk food in the house. I haven't had junk in my house for a while, and it helps. You can't eat what's not there. I get frustrated sometimes because there's "nothing to eat" but there is stuff to eat....stuff that is good for me. Drink a cold glass of iced tea with sweetener in it, or eat a baked potato....anything other than salty snack food that isn't doing any good. Hate to bring back cliches, but "out of sight, out of mind"....or at least, out of mouth.

Hope I helped ya....

jtb · 06-14-2005, 09:16 PM

bluehen94 and niki84 both mentioned things that I practice. There is more though. I drink more water in the evening than all day, it helps redirect what i put in my mouth, helps fill me up and feel satisfied. Also you have to examine why you feel the need to eat at this time, based on the title of this thread, it seems emotional. Do some deep breathing when you feel the urge, drink some water and see if you can wait 10 min. maybe you will forget, if not, wait some more. St. Johns wort has helped in the past. I was never depressed before, but since all of my injuries, I needed some help and St. Johns wort helped. Then there is the issue of wanting to lose the weight more than you want the cookie. Weigh the desires and the stronger desire will win. I hope this helps.