Can't stop snacking and losing my portion control!

Irishfaerie86

So I'm starting to make poor food choices and can't stop snacking at night. I'm still doing well exercising, it's just the diet I'm going down hill with. I am just noticing that I'm eating more, not necessarily always bad food, just too much. I'll have some hummus and crackers or with carrots but I can't stop. Or I'll have a 100 calorie cottage cheese snack but need to eat a granola bar and a cheese stick or something else after it. I need some help! And the scale hasn't budged in a month..probably because the exercise has been balancing it out. I'm just very frustrated at myself.

ryanwood935

What is your weight loss deficit set to? It may just be too steep now that you are getting closer to your goal weight. Your body doesn't have the same energy stores that it did when you were rocking a few more pounds. Constantly snacking late may be your body's way of saying it needs more fuel, and if you are going over your calorie limits anyway with snacks, it's worth looking into upping your calories.

Also, make sure you are eating enough protein and fat. They tend to leave you more sated than most carbs. You may eat less during the day so you have some spare calories in the evening. When you get hungry at the end of the night, try drinking a glass of water instead (unless it's really late, then you'll just be waking up to pee later!). Distract yourself for 10 minutes, and a lot of times the craving will pass.

Liftng4Lis

Can you open your diary and tell us your stats?

DawnieB1977

You only have 7lbs to go, so weight loss will be slower. I've no idea what your height and weight goals are, but in your photo you look a perfectly healthy weight already, so getting below that may require more effort and take more time.

As a previous poster said, your deficit may be too high and you're not eating enough which is why you're hungry in the evening. In which case, you need to increase calories. If that's not the case, just leave enough calories to have an evening snack if that's what you like to do, or find a lower calorie evening snack.

PearlAng

Technical/numerical stuff set aside....

I tend to snack when I'm bored. Snacks can be important when it comes to reaching your macro and calorie goals, but it can be a hindrance to me when I snack for the wrong reasons.

I have to keep myself busy when I'm home alone or else I'll probably start snacking too much. I like to catch up on tv shows, blog, go for walks and take baths to pass the time. Sometimes I have to isolate myself in my room and study just to get away from the bored munchies. I'm not sure if this is your problem, but either way, good luck!

kevinsmithrn

Late night is the worst. Very difficult problem.

brenn24179

I try to eat healthy also but I have gained weight eating too much healthy foods. Calories do count. I just remind myself I have to set boundaries with myself and say NO. I have to take care of myself. Even remind myself I can have more food tomorrow.

Omanya

Keep track of how much you eat at night and try to accommodate by eating less during the day. Remember that snacking itself isn't the problem; only going over your deficit is.

Also, try transitioning to snacks that take a long time to eat, like (low cal) popcorn. That way you might be bored of eating by the time you're done.