Help!!

darkangelz

How can I stop myself from eating while at work? I work night shift 10pm -8am. I usually take a couple of cup of soups with me or some left over dinner to eat during the night and an apple or some celery to snack on but sometimes I find its just not enough. Usually by 4 -5 am I am so tired and craving carbs and sugar, I really try not to think about it and drink some water or have a coffee but it doesn't work, the more I don't think about it the worse I feel and the more obsessive my thoughts become..... what are some healthier alternatives to bread and sugar? my out of control night eating puts me way over my calorie limit and I'm just not loosing weight!

Quieau

i pack whole grain organic chips (one serving) and some hummus ... the combination of complex carbs and protein is a lifesaver! also, cheese and whole grain crackers would work as well. lean ham or baked chicken slices in strips, or cheese sticks, a handful of nuts and/or yogurt. fresh fruit is a great way to satisfy that craving without compromising your health! (EDIT: You are there TEN HOURS --- you have to eat while you're there or you will be only hurting yourself!)

southpaw3833

I work a lot of random hours too especially on the weekends. For my weekend job when I'm working through the night I actually pack my food like I will be eating during a normal day. Depending on how many hours I work, I take an actual meal for "lunch" and "dinner". I also take a couple snacks to eat in between. The hard part is switching over you daily plan as it it were normal day time. Just don't eat another full days worth after work. I don't mean that you should starve yourself at all, but if you work nights then you should treat that time as your actual awake time and eat like you normally would, then by sleeping during the day it will be like a normal "night" and you won't be eating. I used to have the same problem but by switching my eating and sleeping patterns to the night time really helped me. I no longer get hungry in those wee hours of the morning or towards the end of my shift. Hope this idea helps. Good luck!

darkangelz

Thanks guys, that has helped... I've been doing this 3 nights on 2 off for nearly six years and still can't seem to get it right!

Quieau

The main thing is, whether you eat it or not, be prepared with healthy stuff at work, lest you be tempted by the vending machines or a cafeteria or fast food. That has been my biggest lesson, to learn to:

1) PLAN ahead with a list of portable healthy stuff
2) BUY the groceries I need
3) PACK the stuff I need in portions ONLY for that day
4) DON'T ride to work with your lunch in the front seat. :noway:

And make sure it's stuff you LIKE! I usually stock up on hummus, whole grain crackers, cheese, nuts, fruit (esp watermelon lately!) and lean meats like ham and oven roasted chicken breast. Also, veggies cut into nibble-sized strips are great even for a pocket!

GOOD LUCK!

JMfan

have you tried taking some almonds or other healthy type snack that, even if you go a little overboard, won't work against you too much? Or perhaps a healthy shake that fills you up and helps keep your mind off of food.

whitlisd

That's the key. Fill yourself up. Apples aren't going to cut it!! Start your night out with a very high protein meal and you shouldn't need to eat for 3-4 hours. Then, have a snack. Eat your "lunch" and make sure it includes more protein such as meats, cottage cheese, regular cheese, nuts, seeds, whatever. Just, whatever you do, stay away from any carbs. They are what is driving your hunger. I am on a high protein, high fat, low carb diet and I tell you, the minute I eat something sugary, I am HUNGRY and want to pick at everything. Take filling snacks and eat things that you can just munch away on that aren't going to cost you a lot of calories if you can. That should get you through. Then go home, have a light "supper", and go to bed.

Railr0aderTony

I work swing shift and when I am on nights I always snack all night long for something to do. With that said I make adjustments for this by bringing things like celery with a fat free dip or baby carrots. Things that I can eat loads of for very little calories. For me it is not that I am hungry but it is just something to keep me awake and going. Ohh and LOTS OF COFFEE. Anyway Good luck.