Eating in the Evenings

Echomeri

I'm new to MFP, and I've spent the last few days just using it to monitor my eating habits and seeing where I needed to change. I've found myself noticing that I always crave food in the evenings, whether I eat well during the day or not, and it's not based on actual hunger. I'm fine during the day, but between 8 and 9pm, I really want food. Can anybody help me with this?

queenliz99

Save some calories for an evening snack.

Echomeri

queenliz99 wrote: »

Save some calories for an evening snack.

I have thought about that, but I'd like to kick the habit completely if possible, and I'm not sure how...

blues4miles

I purposefully save calories for the evening for this reason. It's "easy" for me to limit calories during the day due to habit or being busy or being away from the temptations of easy food. If I plan to have a large meal for dinner I am happier.

queenliz99

Why do you need to kick the habit? Do you get acid reflux when you go to bed?

TavistockToad

Echomeri wrote: »

queenliz99 wrote: »

Save some calories for an evening snack.

I have thought about that, but I'd like to kick the habit completely if possible, and I'm not sure how...

Just say no....

A pint of water or a low cal hot chocolate instead

Echomeri

queenliz99 wrote: »

Why do you need to kick the habit? Do you get acid reflux when you go to bed?

No, not really. It's a routine I've gotten into through the past year and a half whilst being in hospital, and it's basically an emotional thing: I want to leave that part of my life behind, including my eating patterns.

Echomeri

TavistockToad wrote: »

Echomeri wrote: »

queenliz99 wrote: »

Save some calories for an evening snack.

I have thought about that, but I'd like to kick the habit completely if possible, and I'm not sure how...

Just say no....

A pint of water or a low cal hot chocolate instead

Yeah, that's probably the best idea...thank you

diannethegeek

I drink a lot of decaf tea in the evenings once I'm out if calories for the day.

Hjaye7512

I have the same issue and I would end up binging a lot at night so I have to save some calories now so I can have a popcorn or yogurt bar, and on weekends this is especially important because I stay up later

queenliz99

Sugar-free gum is my go to.

IGbnat24

When you eat earlier in the day, are you hungry or do you just eat because you think you should? For me, I'm rarely hungry throughout the day but could eat everything after 7pm--even if I've had a big breakfast and lunch. I eat 1000+calories from 7pm-bed time with just some snacks earlier. Try eating only when you're hungry. You'll save the calories you didn't use for when you want them.

ivankoenig

I would say it depends on what time you end up going to bed me what time you wake up. I've been doing intermittent fasting lately to lean out a bit for the summer. So I don't eat between the hours of 7pm and 7am and I've been noticing great results. Essentially, how it works is while you are eating and 3-4hours after your insulin levels are pretty high to and it's harder for your body to burn fat, so it gives ur body time to break down, absorb and burn the fat stored. If you really must eat close to bed time, make sure ur not eating food with high sodium, sugar or carbohydrates, otherwise drink more water. But that all depends on what your trying to achieve.

mjrkearney

If it's an emotional thing, then it's an emotional thing. You'll need to approach it like any other habit. If you find yourself in the middle of an inappropriate craving, distract yourself. Read an article in the newspaper. Do dishes. Plan out your next day.
If you find yourself slipping, tell yourself "I will not do ___ until ___". I will not have a cigarette until after work. I will not have a cookie until the laundry is done. Your cravings do not control you, but occasionally you need to hit them with a hammer.

mkakids

I generally save calories for evenings too, but if i dont want to eat, i find that the act of making a cup of tea (with a teapot) helps to curb the craving and keep my hands busy. I usually add a tablespoon of flavored creamer if im craving a sweet treat.....the almond joy creamer is my favorite.