I have an issue of eating peanut butter at night when I'm bored?

13

Replies

  • sadiebrawl
    sadiebrawl Posts: 863 Member
    I didn't read all the posts, but I LOVE peanut butter and 2tablespoons is a tease. I made whipped pb one night and it's delicious. 2 T pb, coolwhip, whip it into a mousse, and dip apples. lasts a while and helped me with the i could eat the jar problem.
  • JenniferIsLosingIt
    JenniferIsLosingIt Posts: 595 Member
    Xandistra wrote: »
    If you can't consume it in moderation don't keep it in the house. You can't eat it if it's not there. Reintroduce it to your diet once you feel able to control your portions.
    There's one problem wit that, I live with my parents and they're both obese and carry tons of junk food and refuse to buy healthy foods. If I was on my own I'd be good to go, but unfortunately that has to wait another year :(

    Can you ask your parents to keep the peanut butter/snacks in a less convenient place? Like in their bedroom closet or junk drawer? If it is more difficult to get to, or you have to unlock it or ask for it, it may not be so easy to even start eating it.

    This is a great idea! :)
  • Camomilejane
    Camomilejane Posts: 55 Member
    I would put a photo of myself next to the jar, and that will remind me that if I keep eating it, I will never get to where I want to be. I love eating marshmallow fluff, but if I buy it, I can't stop eating it, and I really want to keep my teeth!
  • SergeantSausage
    SergeantSausage Posts: 1,673 Member
    edited July 2015
    DanniB423 wrote: »
    I am all for personal responsibility and choices. But if every weight loss obstacle was as simple as "stop it" or "just don't" MFP wouldn't exist and we would all be healthy. That is not helpful. Get real.

    They all said the same thing about the cigarettes, too, but y'know what? Every successful quitter one day just stopped and never picked up another. I put 'em down near 4 years ago. Just stopped and never picked up another.

    Just stop.

    Not one more spoonful.

    Nothing else will work.

    Nothing else *can* work, right?

  • bennettinfinity
    bennettinfinity Posts: 865 Member
    I've had the exact same problem with PB... always just before going to bed, it was downright Pavlovian... I started making myself weigh out what I ate and log it - pretty soon it was clear that I was never going to achieve my goals with that behavior. Presenting myself with a PB vs. Goals CHOICE helped me to 'just quit'.
  • DeguelloTex
    DeguelloTex Posts: 6,652 Member
    DanniB423 wrote: »
    *bows down to @DeguelloTex* For you are strong and we are weak! I'm glad your journey has been such a walk in the park.
    I guess you missed this bit: "No one claims 'just stopping' is inherently easy. Lots of things that need to be done aren't easy."
  • pteryndactyl
    pteryndactyl Posts: 303 Member
    Are you getting enough protein throughout the day? Sometimes I find myself craving peanut butter on my lower protein days.
  • DanniB423
    DanniB423 Posts: 777 Member
    DanniB423 wrote: »
    I am all for personal responsibility and choices. But if every weight loss obstacle was as simple as "stop it" or "just don't" MFP wouldn't exist and we would all be healthy. That is not helpful. Get real.

    They all said the same thing about the cigarettes, too, but y'know what? Every successful quitter one day just stopped and never picked up another. I put 'em down near 4 years ago. Just stopped and never picked up another.

    Just stop.

    Not one more spoonful.

    Nothing else will work.

    Nothing else *can* work, right?

    In cigarettes case.. Yes. I am 1.5 years smoke free. Quitting smoking is so hard BUT I do feel my relationship with food is more difficult. Food is something you have to face every single day to survive. I feel food choices that are in your cabinet and in your face daily are harder to handle. You don't need cigarettes to live and face your relationships with them every single day. Atleast not over time for me. Congrats on quitting!
  • SergeantSausage
    SergeantSausage Posts: 1,673 Member
    OK so don't ... "just don't do that" ... and be sure to let us know how that works out, right?

    HINT: It's not gonna, mmm-kay?

    If you want to stop, you have to ... well ... stop.
  • Xandistra
    Xandistra Posts: 14 Member
    Mr_Knight wrote: »
    Xandistra wrote: »
    okay so every night I'll find myself eating 500kcals worth of peanut butter even though I'm not hungry...

    Go to sleep.

    Or do something active.

    Or don't buy the stuff.

    Problem solved...
    You helped me realize something! I was very tired whenever I would do this, but thanks to everybodies helpful advice tonight is the first night in ages I haven't gone all out on PB :)
  • Xandistra
    Xandistra Posts: 14 Member
    Out of curiosity, how many calories are you eating during the day? Do you eat PB during the daytime at all or is it something you're trying to swear yourself off of simply because it's calorie dense? Lot of really judgey, unhelpful comments in this thread for some reason. :|
    Today I've tried upping my calories, I used to only eat 500~900 every day. ( my bulimia turned into binge eating) I swear it off due to high fat and calorie density. Today I ate 1,150 so I've felt so much better!!!
  • Xandistra
    Xandistra Posts: 14 Member
    If you don't buy it you wont eat it!!!

    Recently I developed a PB craving too which is odd because I never liked it much in the past. It doesn't matter if it's regular, whipped, or PB2... I will overeat it at night. So PB is banned from my house. At GNC they have sample pack of Quest PB shakes. This is currently my answer to PB cravings. It's so delicious I can't even believe it.


    Same! I used to NEVER eat PB! I'm trying to get my parents to get it out, but I have 3 younger sisters and they eat it everyday at lunch. They told me I didn't need to lose weight and that its okay I eat that much PB. I'll have to try I pass a GNC on my bike route, so I'll pick it up tomorrow :)
  • Xandistra
    Xandistra Posts: 14 Member
    OK so don't ... "just don't do that" ... and be sure to let us know how that works out, right?

    HINT: It's not gonna, mmm-kay?

    If you want to stop, you have to ... well ... stop.
    Are you getting enough protein throughout the day? Sometimes I find myself craving peanut butter on my lower protein days.
    Hm, I didn't think about that! I should try to eat beans more often :) thanks !
  • DuckReconMajor
    DuckReconMajor Posts: 434 Member
    Xandistra wrote: »
    Out of curiosity, how many calories are you eating during the day? Do you eat PB during the daytime at all or is it something you're trying to swear yourself off of simply because it's calorie dense? Lot of really judgey, unhelpful comments in this thread for some reason. :|
    Today I've tried upping my calories, I used to only eat 500~900 every day. ( my bulimia turned into binge eating) I swear it off due to high fat and calorie density. Today I ate 1,150 so I've felt so much better!!!

    How many calories does MFP tell you to eat? if 1150 is high for you that's a good start but you should be eating more than 1200 at the very least.
  • MemiJones
    MemiJones Posts: 5 Member
    I had a giant weakness for processed extra crunchy peanut butter. I could eat e embarassing amounts of it without even realizing. I switched to fresh ground peanuts or almonds, it's peanut butter with no added ingrediants. It was allot easier for me to not overeat it, I think it may be because it didn't have all of the fats and sugars that make your brain light up like "oh hey, let's have all of that!" Also, if you were to overeat it, it wouldn't have been quite as bad because it's allot healthier.

    There are allot of really great suggestions here. Quite a few of them are asking your parents to buy a slightly different product. I just wanted to add my 2¢
  • Xandistra
    Xandistra Posts: 14 Member
    Maybe eating peanut butter is just more important to you than losing weight.
    This sentence has helped me a lot today! For one instance... I was at the theatre with my sisters and they offered me buttery popcorn and bam a question came to my head. "Is eating this popcorn now more important than losing weight?" No it isn't, so I stayed chewing gum :) I know some people might find what you said "rude" but sometimes you need somebody to slap you in the face and get your *kitten* together. Thank you !
  • Xandistra
    Xandistra Posts: 14 Member
    jgnatca wrote: »
    It sounds like a habit and a comfort food. I'd replace the habit with something else. How about taking up crochet or knitting? Every time you think peanut butter pick up the needles. Keeps the hands busy and introduces a new habit.

    http://www.yarnspirations.com/how-to-arm-knitting

    Peanut butter and yarn are mutually incompatible.
    Wonderful idea! I have no hands-on hobbies and it's so easy for me just to eat while I watch animes, draw, or listen to music. I have some crocheting stuff in my attic :3

  • Xandistra
    Xandistra Posts: 14 Member
    If your parents won't stop buying it, you might need to ask them to store it somewhere that you can't access it but they can.

    Also, make sure you are eating plenty of fat and calories during the day and leaving room for a snack at night. It is okay to eat in evening, or even eat peanut butter. Nothing wrong with that, unless you end up eating more calories than you burn. So plan out your food so you are properly fed during the day but have room for a snack at night. People who binge eat sometimes restrict themselves too much afterward to make up for it, which can trigger a new eating binge when they are starved. Then restrict again, binge again, It is a vicious cycle. So if you are skipping meals and going into evening feeling starved and allowing no calories to eat, you need to fix that to break the cycle.

    Finally, you say you are eating while bored. Why are you bored? Is there some better way you can spend your time in the evening, like maybe going for a walk? Calling a friend? Getting a hobby? Figure out how to plan your schedule so you are too busy or interested in what you are doing to eat. Find a way to deal with this boredom that doesn't involving eating high calorie foods.
    Today was a big wake up call for me, I noticed I was restricting waaaay too much.
    Not enough fat or protein. I'm going to research inexpensive ways I can incorporate those types of food into my diet :)

    Thanks for some suggestions! I really appreciate it, i guess I just have way too much free time for my own good and why waste it in a destructive manner? I really appreciate your help :)
  • Xandistra
    Xandistra Posts: 14 Member
    Xandistra wrote: »
    Out of curiosity, how many calories are you eating during the day? Do you eat PB during the daytime at all or is it something you're trying to swear yourself off of simply because it's calorie dense? Lot of really judgey, unhelpful comments in this thread for some reason. :|
    Today I've tried upping my calories, I used to only eat 500~900 every day. ( my bulimia turned into binge eating) I swear it off due to high fat and calorie density. Today I ate 1,150 so I've felt so much better!!!

    How many calories does MFP tell you to eat? if 1150 is high for you that's a good start but you should be eating more than 1200 at the very least.

    1,200. I had some gum today, so it probably got me really close to 1,200.
  • Xandistra
    Xandistra Posts: 14 Member
    OK so don't ... "just don't do that" ... and be sure to let us know how that works out, right?

    HINT: It's not gonna, mmm-kay?

    If you want to stop, you have to ... well ... stop.

    Your cold-turkey smoking story was very inspirational!
    I'm glad there were 2 or so people who gave me the "just put it down" type answers.
    Along with the suggestions for new hobbies and alternatives, I know I can really stop doing this to myself :)
    Thanks a bunch!
  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 14,295 Member
    edited July 2015
    Xandistra wrote: »
    Xandistra wrote: »
    Out of curiosity, how many calories are you eating during the day? Do you eat PB during the daytime at all or is it something you're trying to swear yourself off of simply because it's calorie dense? Lot of really judgey, unhelpful comments in this thread for some reason. :|
    Today I've tried upping my calories, I used to only eat 500~900 every day. ( my bulimia turned into binge eating) I swear it off due to high fat and calorie density. Today I ate 1,150 so I've felt so much better!!!

    How many calories does MFP tell you to eat? if 1150 is high for you that's a good start but you should be eating more than 1200 at the very least.

    1,200. I had some gum today, so it probably got me really close to 1,200.

    I have been mostly lurking on this thread because you have gotten the advice you asked for.

    Almost 1200 is not the correct answer. At least 1200 is the correct answer. at least 0.45 grams of fat per pound of body weight. If on a deficit and trying to maintain lean mass, about 0.8 grams per pound of body mass. The rest whatever combination of carbs and fats makes you stay full longest and fulfills whatever other goals you may have.

    Couple a thread where someone says she does not eat, much less net like she is supposed to, 1200 calories a day with a comment by her parents that she doesn't need to lose any more weight, if I read correctly further up, and a couple of flags go up.

    1200 net calories after exercise is the minimum mfp recommends for women.

    Lots of restrictions not eating 1200 and binging on peanut butter.... that sounds really good and sustainable... ..
  • LavenderLeaves
    LavenderLeaves Posts: 195 Member
    OP, are you currently in therapy for your ED?
  • DeguelloTex
    DeguelloTex Posts: 6,652 Member
    Xandistra wrote: »
    Maybe eating peanut butter is just more important to you than losing weight.
    This sentence has helped me a lot today! For one instance... I was at the theatre with my sisters and they offered me buttery popcorn and bam a question came to my head. "Is eating this popcorn now more important than losing weight?" No it isn't, so I stayed chewing gum :) I know some people might find what you said "rude" but sometimes you need somebody to slap you in the face and get your *kitten* together. Thank you !
    That's very cool. A lot of choices have to be made every day and keeping your priorities in mind while making them can often help.

    I'm not big on motivational catch-phrases, but "Don't give up what you want most for what you want now" holds a fair amount of truth, imo.

  • Unknown
    edited July 2015
    This content has been removed.
  • cindyangotti
    cindyangotti Posts: 294 Member
    Xandistra wrote: »
    Maybe eating peanut butter is just more important to you than losing weight.
    This sentence has helped me a lot today! For one instance... I was at the theatre with my sisters and they offered me buttery popcorn and bam a question came to my head. "Is eating this popcorn now more important than losing weight?" No it isn't, so I stayed chewing gum :) I know some people might find what you said "rude" but sometimes you need somebody to slap you in the face and get your *kitten* together. Thank you !
    That's very cool. A lot of choices have to be made every day and keeping your priorities in mind while making them can often help.

    I'm not big on motivational catch-phrases, but "Don't give up what you want most for what you want now" holds a fair amount of truth, imo.

    This makes me feel better about just turning down a delicious looking, warm cinnamon roll with white icing oozing all over it fresh from the bakery! My co workers are cruel. hahahaha

  • LavenderLeaves
    LavenderLeaves Posts: 195 Member
    edited July 2015
    Caitwn wrote: »
    OP, are you currently in therapy for your ED?

    There is exactly zero indication that the OP has an eating disorder. I find it very ironic that you're here railing against the 'mean people' who actually shared simple, straightforward, and helpful feedback and yet you're willing to go so far as to DIAGNOSE the OP based on one post about a pretty minor issue.

    That's irresponsible.

    ..OP said she was bulimic and it turned into binge eating. I would really advise fully reading a thread before accusing someone of something like that.
    Xandistra wrote: »
    Today I've tried upping my calories, I used to only eat 500~900 every day. ( my bulimia turned into binge eating) I swear it off due to high fat and calorie density. Today I ate 1,150 so I've felt so much better!!!

  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Kalikel wrote: »
    You want to eat peanut butter. Before every bite you take, remind yourself, "I want this, so I'm eating it."

    Until you start realizing that all your food choices are CHOICES and not things that are out of your control, this will continue. For a while, you have to remind yourself that you're choosing every bite,

    Once you accept that you choose it (and it will take a while), you can't choose not to.

    Good luck. :)

    This is an exercise our weight loss therapist suggested. It is more empowering than we might imagine to own our choices. It's the middle step from picking a different choice next time. Or perhaps cutting the snack down to a reasonable size. It's all us.
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  • LiftAllThePizzas
    LiftAllThePizzas Posts: 17,857 Member
    Xandistra wrote: »
    okay so every night I'll find myself eating 500kcals worth of peanut butter even though I'm not hungry, and it'll sometimes lead to a full out binge. How can I help break this habit? I've gained 15lbs over the past 3months because of it :(
    Stop eating peanut butter even though you're not hungry.

    Also do not eat once you've reached your daily calorie goal.
  • jonascimermanas
    jonascimermanas Posts: 1 Member
    For me personally there's certain foods that I can not stop eating once I start and it leads to a binge , it's has been a very painful experience throughout the years and I eventually came to terms that I'm a compulsive overeater, in other words, food addiction (sugar in my case) and compulsive overeating exist as conditions and it's not just gluttony or lack of willpower. If anyone's struggling with not being able to stop I'm happy to chat and there's self help groups like Overeaters Anonymous where help is available :) Take care
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