How to stop eating at night?

Lisnagry

Hi Just looking for tips on how to stop eating junk at night. I can eat good all day then night comes and destroys all my good work Some people say dont buy it but i will leave the house to get it! Crazy I know!!!

Zarebeth

I know there are people who will yell at me for this, but I eat my dinner late specifically so I am not hungry before I go to bed, and it is my biggest meal of the day - roughly half my calories. I don't eat until 7 at the earliest, and last night I didn't eat until 8:30. It helps me with my control in the evenings if I am not hungry.

albayin

happened to just reply another similar thread.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/623050-losing-control-at-night

albayin

I know there are people who will yell at me for this, but I eat my dinner late specifically so I am not hungry before I go to bed, and it is my biggest meal of the day - roughly half my calories. I don't eat until 7 at the earliest, and last night I didn't eat until 8:30. It helps me with my control in the evenings if I am not hungry.

I am with you. But now I try not to eat too late, say after 9:00

mcarter99

Some things that help me-

1- Practice. Get out of the habit of having junk food at night and you'll forget about it.

2- Make sure you're not eating because you're starving and feeling deprived because your daytime diet is so restrictive and dull

3- Substitute. Have healthy nighttime treats like a baked apple or some hot tea or an iced coffee.

4- Think about why you want treats at night. Do you feel like food is your only enjoyment or reward? Sometimes just looking at the issue dead-on helps end it.

spammyanna

I have a bedtime snack right before I go to bed. Literally. I eat it in bed, at like 11:30pm. There's nothing wrong with eating that late, your body burns calories 24/7.

If you are hungry, eat. I try and have something high in protein so that I stay full longer.

rosalieharris

I have the same problem! I think eating later is actually smart. If you are within your calories, then what does it matter when you eat? I am not a nutritionalist or anything, but it sounds good to me...I am actually going to try this:) I do usually save a snack for late night. I say whatever works for you!

Alisha_countrymama

I eat a full protein meal at dinner. keeps me full till bed. If I do get the urge I eat a cheese stick and drink some water.

Atziii

You can always try eating something that's a bit healthier. My nutritionist recommended I try a bowl of cereal with skim milk, keeping it in moderation of course, and I know there's some cereals out there (like Special K) that have enough sweetness or chocolate to satisfy junk food cravings.

brittigno

Try to get healthier versions? Like instead of chips get snappeas? Or instead of ice cream do the frozen banana & cocoa powder thing?

tmd0521

I think Zarebeth is on to something, Im gonna move dinner from 6 to 7pm, hopefully that helps. Or if you MUST have a night snack try to eat it earlier/less of it.

tobykang

I am exactly with you on this one! Still kinda figuring this out myself....I try to stop eating by 8PM every night. If I still get hungry at best I have a little tofu, a tbsp of peanut butter, drink soy milk or just have tea.

Often times, peppermint gum/tea seems to kill the urge to want to eat more

darls25

I save enough calories and eat healthy low calorie stuff after dinner. Some nights need some thing and some I don't. Have some cut up veggies and fruit and just work them in to your calories. Like someone said I think eating at night isn't a big deal as long as you don't a super duper huge meal

celticmuse

I allow myself a dessert every night, not to exceed 150 calories after dinner. That way I don't overdo it, but I save the calories so that I can have it and stay within my daily calorie goal. I don't feel deprived and it helps with the cravings. Sometimes it is popcorn. Other times it may be sweets. I like the Quatratini dark chocolate wafers. 8 of them are only 150 calories.

tigersword

The time you eat doesn't matter. If it's simply a matter of switching calories from earlier in the day to later in the day, that's probably the easiest solution. If it's a matter of eating junk food, then, well, you just need to work on some discipline.

kittyfrost

This will sound strange but I struggle with this, and I found that wrapping myself in a blanket works. That way I'm too comfortable/lazy to get up, haha.

rose313

I allow myself a dessert every night, not to exceed 150 calories after dinner. That way I don't overdo it, but I save the calories so that I can have it and stay within my daily calorie goal. I don't feel deprived and it helps with the cravings. Sometimes it is popcorn. Other times it may be sweets. I like the Quatratini dark chocolate wafers. 8 of them are only 150 calories.

I do the same thing. I also love the 100 calorie packs.

Learn2BFit

I have the Exact same problem! For me, it's just emotional eating, pure and simple...I"m so good all day, I get my exercise in, but then, during my down time, I just find myself wanting to relax, watch a little tv after the kids go to bed, and WAY too often, end up munching when I know I shouldn't. Lately, though, I've started leaving a certain amount calories for the couple of nights of the week that I know I'm most prone to snacking, and I've found a couple of fairly low-calorie treats to let myself feel like I'm getting a treat, it seems to be helping!

Runs4Wine

I'm an "after work, but before dinner" snacker. My latest tricks are:

Eat more filling foods during the day
Start making dinner sooner - if we eat closer to 5:30pm-6 I'm less likely to graze while making dinner
Eat a good dinner, and have milk to drink. Milk seems to help me feel fuller and avoids the late night grazing
After dinner, keep my hands busy. Sitting on the couch watching TV is brutal for my snack cravings
If I do need/want a snack I try to stick to popcorn or decaf coffee with some SF flavored syrup to help me feel full and cut the sweet craving.

tsh0ck

The time you eat doesn't matter. If it's simply a matter of switching calories from earlier in the day to later in the day, that's probably the easiest solution. If it's a matter of eating junk food, then, well, you just need to work on some discipline.

all of this.

vbonina

I had the same problem. I found that if I plan out my snacking it works out well. Leave a few calories for the unexpected.

Glucocorticoid

What tiger said. Along with that, increasing protein intake and eating more fibrous veggies will help you stay full. But if you already hit your caloric goal and you're going over it because you're having problems with binging at night, try brushing your teeth at night, after your last meal - it helps some people (not joking).

amymimi12

I agree with the folks on here, I don't think it's a huge problem to be eating late... it's more a matter of sticking to your calorie goal and trying to put healthy food in your system to fuel your body overnight. I used to eat popcorn and chocolate every night, and I still lost weight. But I decided it was a habit I wanted to break, so I started having a small snack and hot water with lemon or tea about an hour before bed. As soon as I finish my drink I brush my teeth. The hot drink and teeth brushing has become my new habit to signal the end of my eating day. Took me about 3 weeks to break the habit, but it seems to be working for now!

And for some reason clicking on the silly little complete-this-day button on MFP makes me think I can't eat anymore because my day is done!

Glucocorticoid

And for some reason clicking on the silly little complete-this-day button on MFP makes me think I can't eat anymore because my day is done!

Wow, so that's why people do it! I never understood that.

Runs4Wine

And for some reason clicking on the silly little complete-this-day button on MFP makes me think I can't eat anymore because my day is done!

I do this too... it's like adjusting it is a bigger PITA than eating is
If I do make the adjustment I know I *really* needed it vs wanting it.

shanahan_09

Ugh, hear ya--downfall for me with eating at night...but if I try to stay aware, like literally kicking myself in the @ss to walk away from the pantry, then it's all good. On those nights when the bag of chips are too tempting, I'll either have a nice cup of tea, give myself a mani/pedi, do the face mask thing, go to bed (this is a big one...99% of the time I'm overly tired, and not hungry at all). If you truly are hungry, have some raw veggies, or a good protein source. I know, not the same as having some goodies, but at least you're filling those hunger pangs and putting healthy nutrition into your body...which will only thank you in the long run.

Articeluvsmemphis

eat ALOT during the day, and practice good sleeping habits helps as well, if you're not awake and getting all your needed rest you won't be eating.

-or-

indulge a little, portion out the snack you REALLY want and have it, save calories for it if you must. night eating doesn't mean the calories will be stored as fat.

Bakerchk

I really don't have time to read everyone's responses but I have this issue too. I usually save 100-200 calories for after dinner and either have fruit or a dessert (if I'm under in sugar). I eat just about every two hours. 8am, 10am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, and 8pm. That usually prevents me from being STARVING and then I don't crave too much at night. I also try to be in bed by 10pm, because if I'm up late, I will snack (out of habit for eating every 2 hours).

7destiny

A few peanuts, a tsp of peanut butter, or some greek yogurt get me through the evening hours.

JeSuisPrest

If it fits inside your daily calorie goal don't worry about it. Just make sure you are incorporating protein and fiber into your diet.

cerixon

Go brush your teeth. You may think twice about snacking if you have minty fresh breath. It sometimes works for me.