Good on my diet all day until evening...help?
summer92008
Posts: 202
I do just fine on my diet during the day while I'm out and about, in class, or doing homework. But in the evening time, after I eat dinner, I crave everything. I'm typically not even hungry, but that's when my craving come into play. I usually will have a serving of ice cream or a Skinny Cow candy, but that never seems to satisfy me. I just want more. On my way home from my boyfriends, I'm tempted to drive through Wendy's for a frosty or a baconator (even though I never have, Thank God).
Does anyone else face a similar problem? How do you cope with it or get the feelings to go away?
I try to just drink water and hope that my body will adjust soon enough, but it has yet to happen.
Does anyone else face a similar problem? How do you cope with it or get the feelings to go away?
I try to just drink water and hope that my body will adjust soon enough, but it has yet to happen.
0
Replies
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The only thing I can say is maybe allot yourself a few extra calories, so you can have the single serving of ice cream and the Skinny Cow candy.
I make sure that I have enough calories so I can have something salty (now BBQ chips) and something sweet (now BarkThins Dark Chocolate with Pretzels or Dark Chocolate with Almonds).
There is no sin in eating at night. I love eating at night. It makes me happy. But I have the calories to do it.
Just keep doing what you are doing. From your ticker, you're obviously doing something right.0 -
this was 100% me, until i tried IF it was a big problem. now that i do intermittent fasting i can afford a little indulgence at night since i dont eat much during the day0
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how active are you? how much are you eating to start with?0
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I keep my hands and brain focused on something that I don't eat during such as dungeon runs in WoW etc. Since I heal I'm not just paying attention to just me there is 4 other people + their pets, dispels that are my responsibility, where the boss is and my placement relative to him and the tank, and even the stupid floor. So no time to eat it works well. That being said cravings have never been a big issue for me I've always been one if its a minor craving eh wait a week or so if I still want it its legit and not just boredom and I figure out how to make it work with my macros one day.0
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Maybe try eating a bit more - especially protein - earlier in the day? I tend to find that if I've eaten a good meal at breakfast and lunch I'm less likely to want to eat everything in sight in the evenings. Alternatively, see if it's a timing thing. If I'm too busy to eat until after 8-ish, I'm generally much less hungry/experience fewer cravings, than if I eat dinner earlier in the evening.0
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I do just fine on my diet during the day while I'm out and about, in class, or doing homework. But in the evening time, after I eat dinner, I crave everything. I'm typically not even hungry, but that's when my craving come into play. I usually will have a serving of ice cream or a Skinny Cow candy, but that never seems to satisfy me. I just want more. On my way home from my boyfriends, I'm tempted to drive through Wendy's for a frosty or a baconator (even though I never have, Thank God).
Does anyone else face a similar problem? How do you cope with it or get the feelings to go away?
I try to just drink water and hope that my body will adjust soon enough, but it has yet to happen.
Have a look at the link and see if you've set your goals to a manageable level
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1175494-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants?hl=guide+to+sexypants&page=1#posts-183615940 -
Stats:
20 years old
5'6'' tall
Female
Starting Weight - 149
Current Weight - 139.6
I'm eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is really the only way I can see progress. Upping it to 1,500 a day did nothing for me, really.
I am pretty sedentary. I used to walk about 5 miles every morning, but my dad has recently been diagnosed with being in the severe stage of dementia. I live with him and my mom while I go to college. He can't be left alone, and since my mom works 40 hrs a week, I don't have much time to exercise. I have learned, however, that I am losing just as much weight only eating 1,200 calories as eating 1,200 calories and walking every morning.0 -
I need to readjust my ticker. I'm around 10 lbs down, actually. I thought 15 lbs would be good for me, but now that I'm here, I see that I can probably afford to lose another 10 lbs.0
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Stats:
20 years old
5'6'' tall
Female
Starting Weight - 149
Current Weight - 139.6
I'm eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is really the only way I can see progress. Upping it to 1,500 a day did nothing for me, really.
I am pretty sedentary. I used to walk about 5 miles every morning, but my dad has recently been diagnosed with being in the sever stage of dementia. I live with him and my mom while I go to college. He can't be left alone, and since my mom works 40 hrs a week, I don't have much time to exercise. I have learned, however, that I am losing just as much weight only eating 1,200 calories as eating 1,200 calories and walking every morning.
are you accurately logging?
are you weighing your foods? everything?
are you eating back any exercise calories?0 -
I drink green tea with truvia (or nothing) to sweeten it. I also try to keep junk food on the top shelf....when its right out of my eyesight it really seems to help so I don't grab for it.0
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Stats:
20 years old
5'6'' tall
Female
Starting Weight - 149
Current Weight - 139.6
I'm eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is really the only way I can see progress. Upping it to 1,500 a day did nothing for me, really.
I am pretty sedentary. I used to walk about 5 miles every morning, but my dad has recently been diagnosed with being in the sever stage of dementia. I live with him and my mom while I go to college. He can't be left alone, and since my mom works 40 hrs a week, I don't have much time to exercise. I have learned, however, that I am losing just as much weight only eating 1,200 calories as eating 1,200 calories and walking every morning.
are you accurately logging?
are you weighing your foods? everything?
are you eating back any exercise calories?
I tried 1,500 calories for probably 2 weeks. Around that. I don't know if it really affected my weight any. When I said did nothing for me, I meant hunger wise. It didn't make me less hungry or more content with those 300 extra calories a day. I feel just the same hunger wise eating 1,200 calories and feel better at the end of the day because I know I haven't overeaten.
Yes, I am accurately logging and weighing/measuring my foods.
And when I do exercise, I do not eat back exercise calories.0 -
Stats:
20 years old
5'6'' tall
Female
Starting Weight - 149
Current Weight - 139.6
I'm eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is really the only way I can see progress. Upping it to 1,500 a day did nothing for me, really.
I am pretty sedentary. I used to walk about 5 miles every morning, but my dad has recently been diagnosed with being in the sever stage of dementia. I live with him and my mom while I go to college. He can't be left alone, and since my mom works 40 hrs a week, I don't have much time to exercise. I have learned, however, that I am losing just as much weight only eating 1,200 calories as eating 1,200 calories and walking every morning.
are you accurately logging?
are you weighing your foods? everything?
are you eating back any exercise calories?
I tried 1,500 calories for probably 2 weeks. Around that. I don't know if it really affected my weight any. When I said did nothing for me, I meant hunger wise. It didn't make me less hungry or more content with those 300 extra calories a day. I feel just the same hunger wise eating 1,200 calories and feel better at the end of the day because I know I haven't overeaten.
Yes, I am accurately logging and weighing/measuring my foods.
And when I do exercise, I do not eat back exercise calories.
then check again in 6 weeks, not 2.0 -
I go between 1200 and 1300 calories a day. I find if I eat protein and veggies for breakfast and lunch and a good dinner that has a good amount of protein in it I don't have cravings in the evening.
If I have too many carbs during the day I have sweet cravings at night.
Sorry about your Father. You have a lot to take care of. Good luck to you. :flowerforyou:0 -
I go between 1200 and 1300 calories a day. I find if I eat protein and veggies for breakfast and lunch and a good dinner that has a good amount of protein in it I don't have cravings in the evening.
If I have too many carbs during the day I have sweet cravings at night.
Sorry about your Father. You have a lot to take care of. Good luck to you. :flowerforyou:
Thank You.0 -
I'm similar, and to stop it I try and eat a healthy snack in the late afternoon, or just after work so that I can eat my evening meal a little later - say 8pm rather than 7pm, this way I don't have the late night cravings as much. You of course could do it the other way around have a healthy low can snack planned for when you get cravings.
Other than that, it's good to keep your brain and hands active - I try to do something whilst watching TV - a craft or a hobby would be good. It keeps my mind away from the temptation of going to the shop for chocolate.
Sometimes though, you just need a snack!0 -
Stats:
20 years old
5'6'' tall
Female
Starting Weight - 149
Current Weight - 139.6
I'm eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is really the only way I can see progress. Upping it to 1,500 a day did nothing for me, really.
I am pretty sedentary. I used to walk about 5 miles every morning, but my dad has recently been diagnosed with being in the sever stage of dementia. I live with him and my mom while I go to college. He can't be left alone, and since my mom works 40 hrs a week, I don't have much time to exercise. I have learned, however, that I am losing just as much weight only eating 1,200 calories as eating 1,200 calories and walking every morning.
are you accurately logging?
are you weighing your foods? everything?
are you eating back any exercise calories?
I tried 1,500 calories for probably 2 weeks. Around that. I don't know if it really affected my weight any. When I said did nothing for me, I meant hunger wise. It didn't make me less hungry or more content with those 300 extra calories a day. I feel just the same hunger wise eating 1,200 calories and feel better at the end of the day because I know I haven't overeaten.
Yes, I am accurately logging and weighing/measuring my foods.
And when I do exercise, I do not eat back exercise calories.
then check again in 6 weeks, not 2.
I completely understand where you're coming from, and you're probably right. But my thought process just doesn't allow it.
I feel like if I'm gonna be miserable for the next 6 weeks either way while my body is adjusting, I may as well be miserable with 300 less calories. I just can't entertain the idea of eating more calories and slowing down progress. Seeing a slower weight loss would really discourage me. Maybe in a while I will be able to up my calories and be mentally content with it, but right now I would beat myself up about it too much.0 -
I assume your mom is back home in the evening, go for a walk then, if you are away from the food then you cant eat it.
Other than that the best way to prevent boredom hunger is to not let yourself get bored.0 -
Stats:
20 years old
5'6'' tall
Female
Starting Weight - 149
Current Weight - 139.6
I'm eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is really the only way I can see progress. Upping it to 1,500 a day did nothing for me, really.
I am pretty sedentary. I used to walk about 5 miles every morning, but my dad has recently been diagnosed with being in the sever stage of dementia. I live with him and my mom while I go to college. He can't be left alone, and since my mom works 40 hrs a week, I don't have much time to exercise. I have learned, however, that I am losing just as much weight only eating 1,200 calories as eating 1,200 calories and walking every morning.
are you accurately logging?
are you weighing your foods? everything?
are you eating back any exercise calories?
I tried 1,500 calories for probably 2 weeks. Around that. I don't know if it really affected my weight any. When I said did nothing for me, I meant hunger wise. It didn't make me less hungry or more content with those 300 extra calories a day. I feel just the same hunger wise eating 1,200 calories and feel better at the end of the day because I know I haven't overeaten.
Yes, I am accurately logging and weighing/measuring my foods.
And when I do exercise, I do not eat back exercise calories.
then check again in 6 weeks, not 2.
I completely understand where you're coming from, and you're probably right. But my thought process just doesn't allow it.
I feel like if I'm gonna be miserable for the next 6 weeks either way while my body is adjusting, I may as well be miserable with 300 less calories. I just can't entertain the idea of eating more calories and slowing down progress. Seeing a slower weight loss would really discourage me. Maybe in a while I will be able to up my calories and be mentally content with it, but right now I would beat myself up about it too much.
this isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. Why not eat as much as you can and still lose, than posting here about eating only 1200 and having mad cravings because you're probably not eating enough to start with?
Here's a thought:
you were losing already on the 1500 and still saying you were hungry. the weight you lost then was from the deficit that you had at 1500 calories.
when you set up your account on here, it should've given you the option to choose a few things. so you're convinced your sedentary. MFP shouldn't allow you to choose the most aggressive (2lb per week) loss options.. that's how you, as a 20 year old, got the 1200 goal.
from here, it's up to you to gather your own information.
will you lose at 1200? probably. Will it be enjoyable? doubt it.
will you lose at 1500? just about guaranteed. Will you be able to get more food for the extra 300 calories? yup. you will.
300 more calories could make the difference in whether or not you're feeling run down and having cravings.0 -
Stats:
20 years old
5'6'' tall
Female
Starting Weight - 149
Current Weight - 139.6
I'm eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is really the only way I can see progress. Upping it to 1,500 a day did nothing for me, really.
I am pretty sedentary. I used to walk about 5 miles every morning, but my dad has recently been diagnosed with being in the sever stage of dementia. I live with him and my mom while I go to college. He can't be left alone, and since my mom works 40 hrs a week, I don't have much time to exercise. I have learned, however, that I am losing just as much weight only eating 1,200 calories as eating 1,200 calories and walking every morning.
are you accurately logging?
are you weighing your foods? everything?
are you eating back any exercise calories?
I tried 1,500 calories for probably 2 weeks. Around that. I don't know if it really affected my weight any. When I said did nothing for me, I meant hunger wise. It didn't make me less hungry or more content with those 300 extra calories a day. I feel just the same hunger wise eating 1,200 calories and feel better at the end of the day because I know I haven't overeaten.
Yes, I am accurately logging and weighing/measuring my foods.
And when I do exercise, I do not eat back exercise calories.
then check again in 6 weeks, not 2.
I completely understand where you're coming from, and you're probably right. But my thought process just doesn't allow it.
I feel like if I'm gonna be miserable for the next 6 weeks either way while my body is adjusting, I may as well be miserable with 300 less calories. I just can't entertain the idea of eating more calories and slowing down progress. Seeing a slower weight loss would really discourage me. Maybe in a while I will be able to up my calories and be mentally content with it, but right now I would beat myself up about it too much.
Then after 6 weeks you go back to eating the way you were and gain it all back. You need to learn to eat at a level where you can then maintain.0 -
Stats:
20 years old
5'6'' tall
Female
Starting Weight - 149
Current Weight - 139.6
I'm eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is really the only way I can see progress. Upping it to 1,500 a day did nothing for me, really.
I am pretty sedentary. I used to walk about 5 miles every morning, but my dad has recently been diagnosed with being in the sever stage of dementia. I live with him and my mom while I go to college. He can't be left alone, and since my mom works 40 hrs a week, I don't have much time to exercise. I have learned, however, that I am losing just as much weight only eating 1,200 calories as eating 1,200 calories and walking every morning.
are you accurately logging?
are you weighing your foods? everything?
are you eating back any exercise calories?
I tried 1,500 calories for probably 2 weeks. Around that. I don't know if it really affected my weight any. When I said did nothing for me, I meant hunger wise. It didn't make me less hungry or more content with those 300 extra calories a day. I feel just the same hunger wise eating 1,200 calories and feel better at the end of the day because I know I haven't overeaten.
Yes, I am accurately logging and weighing/measuring my foods.
And when I do exercise, I do not eat back exercise calories.
then check again in 6 weeks, not 2.
I completely understand where you're coming from, and you're probably right. But my thought process just doesn't allow it.
I feel like if I'm gonna be miserable for the next 6 weeks either way while my body is adjusting, I may as well be miserable with 300 less calories. I just can't entertain the idea of eating more calories and slowing down progress. Seeing a slower weight loss would really discourage me. Maybe in a while I will be able to up my calories and be mentally content with it, but right now I would beat myself up about it too much.
this isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. Why not eat as much as you can and still lose, than posting here about eating only 1200 and having mad cravings because you're probably not eating enough to start with?
Here's a thought:
you were losing already on the 1500 and still saying you were hungry. the weight you lost then was from the deficit that you had at 1500 calories.
when you set up your account on here, it should've given you the option to choose a few things. so you're convinced your sedentary. MFP shouldn't allow you to choose the most aggressive (2lb per week) loss options.. that's how you, as a 20 year old, got the 1200 goal.
from here, it's up to you to gather your own information.
will you lose at 1200? probably. Will it be enjoyable? doubt it.
will you lose at 1500? just about guaranteed. Will you be able to get more food for the extra 300 calories? yup. you will.
300 more calories could make the difference in whether or not you're feeling run down and having cravings.
If you had those extra 300 calories, you would be able to have that snack at night without feeling guilty because it would fall into your calorie goal.
Also, I'm sorry to hear about your father. But he's very lucky to have such a loving and dedicated daughter.0 -
I totally agree with trogalicious that you need to increase your calories a bit and BTW, I am not opposed to 1200 the way many people are on here. I was obese when I started and ate at 1200 calories for almost a year before I lost enough weight so that I could eat more. Having said that, at your height, and current weight, going to school, helping with your Dad, you need to eat a bit more. If you are nervous about going for the whole 1500 (and I do understand that believe me! I freaked out when MFP raised me to 1400!!) then go 100 calories a day at a time AND here is the beautiful part, USE THEM AT NIGHT!! :bigsmile: Seriously, I think I am a bat because I have to eat at night or I am ravenous the entire next day! I save 100-150 calories just for after dinner. Maybe, you need to save more-go for it!
You do really need to work on the mindset though as you will fail if you don't. You are not "good" if you only eat 1200 calories and you are not "bad" if you eat more or at night. The idea is to eat just a little less than your body needs each day so it is forced to go to your fat stores for the rest. As trogalicious has already said, that takes some time. Look at our tickers and you will see we know this works. ENJOY your night eating! :flowerforyou:0 -
Hey girl! I used to have the same wicked problem forever. The issue seemed to be psychological (like smokers wanting a cigarette after a meal) in that I had trained myself that after dinner means a sweet treat. Once I became aware of what was happening, I found other means to combat this. I realized that just having something "special" after dinner would do the trick, which usually means a fancy cup of tea, banana ice cream (blended, frozen banana...holler!) if I really need a sweet, or one of those delicious dessert gum flavors which seems to work every time. I'm eight days in on a 30 day no-sugar challenge which seems to have really cut the craving down immensely...but it's a constant psychological process to break the habit. Maybe that could be a good time to take a walk since the mornings aren't conducive? I find walking to be so meditative and mind-clearing that it seems to help with everything! Hope this helps!0
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I have the exact same problem. I try to eat lower calories during the day so I can "save" some for the evening. I've tried to just not allow myself to have anything, it doesn't work for long and I eat way more than I would've if I'd just saved some room.
I crave sweets usually so sweet flavoured teas can help with the cravings - for example, some flavours I have are Creme Caramel, Mint Chocolate, Salted Caramel & Red Velvet. I order them from David's Tea. It's a Canadian company, but I'm sure there are similar companies everywhere.
If I have too much time to sit on my butt in the evenings I eat more. So going to the gym after work, walking my dog, doing dishes/housework gives me something to do instead of just sitting & eating.0 -
Stats:
20 years old
5'6'' tall
Female
Starting Weight - 149
Current Weight - 139.6
I'm eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is really the only way I can see progress. Upping it to 1,500 a day did nothing for me, really.
I am pretty sedentary. I used to walk about 5 miles every morning, but my dad has recently been diagnosed with being in the sever stage of dementia. I live with him and my mom while I go to college. He can't be left alone, and since my mom works 40 hrs a week, I don't have much time to exercise. I have learned, however, that I am losing just as much weight only eating 1,200 calories as eating 1,200 calories and walking every morning.
are you accurately logging?
are you weighing your foods? everything?
are you eating back any exercise calories?
I tried 1,500 calories for probably 2 weeks. Around that. I don't know if it really affected my weight any. When I said did nothing for me, I meant hunger wise. It didn't make me less hungry or more content with those 300 extra calories a day. I feel just the same hunger wise eating 1,200 calories and feel better at the end of the day because I know I haven't overeaten.
Yes, I am accurately logging and weighing/measuring my foods.
And when I do exercise, I do not eat back exercise calories.
then check again in 6 weeks, not 2.
I completely understand where you're coming from, and you're probably right. But my thought process just doesn't allow it.
I feel like if I'm gonna be miserable for the next 6 weeks either way while my body is adjusting, I may as well be miserable with 300 less calories. I just can't entertain the idea of eating more calories and slowing down progress. Seeing a slower weight loss would really discourage me. Maybe in a while I will be able to up my calories and be mentally content with it, but right now I would beat myself up about it too much.
this isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. Why not eat as much as you can and still lose, than posting here about eating only 1200 and having mad cravings because you're probably not eating enough to start with?
Here's a thought:
you were losing already on the 1500 and still saying you were hungry. the weight you lost then was from the deficit that you had at 1500 calories.
when you set up your account on here, it should've given you the option to choose a few things. so you're convinced your sedentary. MFP shouldn't allow you to choose the most aggressive (2lb per week) loss options.. that's how you, as a 20 year old, got the 1200 goal.
from here, it's up to you to gather your own information.
will you lose at 1200? probably. Will it be enjoyable? doubt it.
will you lose at 1500? just about guaranteed. Will you be able to get more food for the extra 300 calories? yup. you will.
300 more calories could make the difference in whether or not you're feeling run down and having cravings.
Thanks trogalicious for your detailed response (I'm in the same boat as OP and found your advice very helpful).0 -
Maybe I do need to up my calories to 1,500 then...
I definitley want to maintain this weight long term, but like many people, I want to lose weight as quickly as possible.
I know this isn't necessarily ideal, but in my mind it is. I'm just sick of having this weight and I want it gone yesterday.
I should probably take baby steps...like many of you said...toward eating a little more. Or just eating the extra 300 calories in sweets at the end of the day. I just feel so guilty about it afterwards like I'm not good enough and I'm just a miserable person who obviously doesn't care about weight loss enough to turn sweets away. Even though I know this isn't true, it's how I feel.
I wish I had more time to walk, but I really don't...at all. Never. Even when my mom is home, she wants me with her because he can get violent (which is really scary) or he can lose the loss of his legs which makes him immobile and impossible to help.
I know this isn't an excuse, but it really does keep me from being able to get out of the house. It sucks. But thank you everyone for your continued support and comments thus far. I really do appreciate them.0 -
If you're eating a balanced diet, eating enough of it, taking a vitamin and getting enough sleep and you have an urge to eat a lot when you aren't hungry, you might consider seeing a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. A lot of people have one and don't know it.
Or you may just lack willpower, in which case you just have to learn to say, "No. I'm not eating because I'm not hungry."0 -
Food Prep!!! Make a bunch of grilled chicken before hand put it in tupperware. Make brown rice put it in tupperwear. throw some avacado slices in it and there is your dinner already premade. you can even scramble eggs and throw them in your rice.0
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oh ya and i grille oneions mushroom and spinach and throw that in too0
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Food Prep!!! Make a bunch of grilled chicken before hand put it in tupperware. Make brown rice put it in tupperwear. throw some avacado slices in it and there is your dinner already premade. you can even scramble eggs and throw them in your rice.
Yum, that sounds good0 -
Just figure the night snacking into your overall daily plan. Number one it takes the 'power' away from the feeling that you're cheating. Number 2. It gives you the control, not the food. So know that for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you are going to pull x amount of calories from those meals so you can indulge yourself that nightly snacking.:happy:0
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